Martin Odegaard, Mikel Merino and Ben White latest news and return dates - Fixtures continue to come thick and fast as Arsenal battle fresh problems

Mikel Arteta shared a positive update on Ben White as the Arsenal defender inches closer to returning to the training pitch after a knee surgery.

Our Arsenal writers examine the problems up front, concerns over transfer strategy, injury issues and the atmosphere among the fanbase

Dan: Forget Bukayo Saka's and Gabriel Jesus' injuries. I think White's injury has caused us more problems. Since he got injured, our defensive record has been quite poor compared to this time last season. Not only that, but he added so much more to our attack that I haven't seen from Jurrien Timber.

Mikel Arteta insists Myles Lewis-Skelly will continue to play at left-back amid calls for the Arsenal youngster to return to his natural midfield position. Lewis-Skelly is enjoying a breakthrough season at the Emirates after making his debut in the 2-2 draw at Manchester City last September.

Mikel Arteta could see several Arsenal stars pick up injuries over the next few weeks if no January signings are made. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus are currently among those ruled out because of long-term injuries with Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu,

Mikel Arteta has made it clear he wants to bring in some new faces before the transfer deadline on February 3, with RB Leipzig star Sesko reportedly their top target. But cheaper moves for strikers such as Evan Ferguson or Matheus Cunha cannot be ruled out.

Arsenal have been patient in the transfer window, to great effect, but in a title fight with a depleted squad, should they dive into the January market?

Recent reports have placed RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko on the list of potential moves the Spaniard could make. The 6ft 5ins Slovenian has been relatively sharp this Bundesliga campaign, netting eight times in 17 outings. In total, he has found the net 21 times in 58 league matches for the Red Bull side.

Oleksandr Zinchenko is attracting interest from Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal are open to offers for the versatile player in the January transfer window. The 28-year-old joined the Gunners from Manchester City in 2022 and was quickly a regular in the first-team, mainly playing at left-back.

MIKEL ARTETA is consulting his Arsenal stars on which striker to sign before the transfer window slams shut. Arsenal are desperately looking for extra firepower in the January window with injuries

Martin Odegaard was under the spotlight as the Arsenal captain was asked about their transfer plans for January.