Arsenal defender Ben White is set to miss several months of football following knee surgery after an injury. This was revealed by manager Mikel Arteta today. Before the team took him to the international break, White had been playing with an injury.
Arsenal were without the 27-year-old defender at a tough time for the Gunners. Since her arrival on the team, White has been a key player. Before his injury, he played in almost every game this season. The team had to protect White’s health, Arteta added, so opted for surgery now. White is likely to miss some football before the end of the season but not for six months, according to the manager.
Arsenal fans have some good news. Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice are back to play again. He also said both players had minor injuries during the Chelsea game. They hadn’t missed the England games but they have now. Riccardo Calafiori, out for a month with a knee injury, is also considered to play on Saturday. But Toshiro Tomiyasu is still injured and can not be played.
Now Arsene Wenger has more pressure on his tight defence. This season, White has done a lot of things, and the team has had to lean on his versatility to an extent. Right back and centre back, he can play both. That has allowed Arsenal to adapt depending on the game situation. They have to now find new ways to organize their defence.
That’s why looking at Arsenal’s defensive stats reveals White’s importance. With him, they’ve kept clean sheets in half of their games. They play their attacking style because of his speed and skill in passing. It will be hard to find someone who can fill all these qualities.
Ben white injury problem
White’s surgery could put Arsenal’s whole season in jeopardy. And they have games to come in both the Premier League and Champions League. Many games are close together, and that makes December especially busy. You may have to change your team without White’s talents.
White will be worked on closely by Arsenal’s medical team during his recovery. Surgery techniques, and rehabilitation methods that are currently modern, could help him return faster than expected. They’re not rushing him back and hoping for a rash of injuries.
It could force Arsenal to buy new players in January. They have a transfer window in which they can do that. The names being linked with moves to the club are already several. Someone like White who can play multiple positions is what the team needs.
Arsenal’s recent training sessions have already seen the team trying different defensive combinations. William Saliba and Gabriel may have to play more games without rest. In cup games, they could give young players the chance to impress. The coaching staff are trying to find new tactics without White.
It also compromises England’s plans for picking its national team. White was expected to be included among the squad for future games. That means England’s manager now must look elsewhere for the European Championship next summer. If White recovers as fast or faster, he could make that tournament.
Arsenal’s chances feel dealt
But Arsenal fans fret about how this affects the club’s title chances. The team is fourth in the league and desperately needs a good defence to stay competitive. Their challenge is a bit harder now that White is injured. But big teams must handle such problems during long seasons.
Mixed feelings about the latest training ground updates. The return of Rice and Saka helps but losing White will hurt the team’s plans. Now Arteta will have to put on his manager’s hat and ensure the team can hold together while missing a key player. Arsenal will be put through the test of depth and tactical flexibility in the next few weeks as they attempt to make a bid for the title.
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