Arsenal defender Ben White is expected to miss the remainder of the season, including the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, after sustaining a ligament injury to his right knee during Sunday’s 1-0 victory over West Ham. The injury occurred in the 30th minute of the match, forcing the 26-year-old off the pitch.
According to The Athletic, White is also considered “unlikely” to be fit for England’s squad for the upcoming World Cup tournament. This represents a significant setback for both Arsenal and the national team, as White has become a key figure in both setups.
White joined Arsenal from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2021 for a reported fee of £50 million. He has established himself as a consistent performer for the Gunners, primarily featuring at right-back and centre-back under manager Mikel Arteta. This season, he has made 39 appearances across all competitions, contributing defensively and occasionally offering attacking impetus.
The injury to White exacerbates an existing issue for Arsenal at right-back, with Jurriën Timber already sidelined since March with a separate injury. Arteta will now face a challenge in finding a suitable replacement for the Champions League final and the remaining Premier League fixtures. Takehiro Tomiyasu and Oleksandr Zinchenko are potential options to fill the void, though neither are natural right-backs.
The timing of the injury is particularly unfortunate for Arsenal, who are preparing for a crucial period in their season. The Champions League final against PSG on May 30th represents a significant opportunity for Arteta’s side to secure a major trophy. White’s absence will undoubtedly be felt as they aim to overcome the French champions.
