Ben White is set to miss Arsenal’s remaining matches after suffering a knee injury against West Ham on Sunday, a setback that leaves Mikel Arteta short of senior right-back options with the season closing fast. The injury is suspected to be an MCL problem, and White is now expected to sit out the final three games.
White had become a key figure in Arsenal’s side over the past few weeks, helping them take hold of the Premier League title race and booking their place in the UEFA Champions League final. His latest blow comes just as the team prepares for Monday night’s trip to Burnley, where Cristhian Mosquera is expected to start after filling the role at half-time against West Ham.
The timing is particularly awkward because Jurrien Timber has still not returned since coming off against Everton in March with a groin injury. Before the West Ham match, Arteta said he did not know whether Timber or Mikel Merino would feature again this season, adding that there was still a fair bit to do and everything had to be smooth and quick if they were to have any chance of minutes. He also said Timber was not fit to play at the moment.
Timber has not been spotted in Arsenal training, though he was at the West Ham game and stood with coach Gabriel Heinze during the warm-ups. His absence, combined with White’s injury, has stripped Arsenal of the two right-back options that have shaped much of Arteta’s recent selection choices.
White’s own revival had put him back into contention for the England side, making the blow harder to absorb for Arsenal at exactly the stage when consistency matters most. For now, the manager must rebuild his back line around Mosquera and hope the damage does not spread any further before the season is done.
