Arsenal have confirmed that defender Ben White will be ruled out for the remainder of the season after suffering a knee injury, leaving the Premier League leaders without a key option for both their domestic run-in and the club’s Champions League showpiece.
Key takeaways
- Arsenal say Ben White’s knee problem will keep him out for the rest of the campaign.
- The injury is expected to rule him out of Arsenal’s final Premier League matches and the Champions League final versus Paris Saint-Germain on May 30.
- White is also unlikely to be available for England at the World Cup in North America, which begins next month.
- He left the London Stadium on Sunday with a right-knee brace after being substituted in the first half against West Ham.
- Arsenal sit five points clear of Manchester City, with City having played one more match.
Injury confirmed after West Ham scare
White picked up the problem during Arsenal’s crucial 1-0 victory over West Ham on Sunday, with the defender substituted in the first half at the London Stadium. He then departed the ground wearing a brace on his right knee, an indication that the issue was serious.
Manager Mikel Arteta later acknowledged that the injury “didn’t look good at all,” and Arsenal have now confirmed the full extent. The club stated that assessments and specialist examinations have identified a significant medial knee ligament injury, meaning White will be unavailable for the rest of the season.
In their announcement, Arsenal added that their medical staff are overseeing White’s recovery and rehabilitation programme, with the entire group focused on helping him aim to be ready for the start of pre-season preparations.
Impact on Arsenal and England plans
Because of the timetable of his recovery, White is highly unlikely to feature for England at the World Cup in North America, which starts next month. Arsenal’s confirmation also means he will miss the club’s final two league games and the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain on May 30.
For Arteta, White’s absence creates a major selection problem at right-back during a decisive stretch of fixtures. Arsenal must navigate pivotal matches against Burnley and Crystal Palace before turning their attention to PSG, with Jurrien Timber also unavailable.
Arsenal remain on course to win the Premier League title for the first time since 2004. They currently lead the table by five points over Manchester City, although City have played one additional match.
