Ben White faces a significant period out injured (Image: Getty)
Arsenal have been dealt a significant injury setback with defender Ben White undergoing knee surgery and set to be out injured until the New Year.
The England international has been struggling with what’s been termed as “joint” issues but played in Arsenal’s last two matches against Chelsea and Inter Milan in the Champions League.
However, he’s missed several games this season and has had to be carefully managed throughout the first third of the campaign.
The news comes as a blow to Mikel Arteta’s title aspirations, especially given Arsenal’s recent dip in form that sees them trailing nine points behind league leaders Liverpool.
Arteta had previously expressed his hopes for an end to their injury woes following a “nightmare eight weeks”, particularly after Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.
It is now understood that White could be out for eight weeks, although the player himself is eager to return sooner.
This latest injury news follows the withdrawal of both Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice from the England squad this week due to concerns. Saka pulled out because of a muscle problem, while Rice is nursing a broken toe.
Both players have remained at their club for recovery. England’s Nations League double header with Greece and Republic of Ireland saw eight dropouts, much to the chagrin of Three Lions captain Harry Kane.
Kane, who is set to lead England in their Nations League match against Greece, told ITV: “I think England comes before anything. It comes before club and it is the most important thing you play as a professional footballer.
“Gareth was on hot on that and he wasn’t afraid and he wasn’t afraid to make decisions if that started to drift from certain players. It’s a shame this week obviously.
“Yeah, I think it’s a tough period of the season and maybe that’s been taken advantage of a little bit.
“I don’t really like it if I’m totally honest. I think as I just said there England comes before before anything, any club situation. The joy to play for England. I think Gareth brought that back.
“Every camp, people were excited to come, every camp people wanted to play for England and, yeah, that’s the most important thing.”
White hasn’t represented England since his departure from the 2022 World Cup camp in Qatar.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1975755/Arsenal-Ben-White-injury-surgery