Arsenal defender Ben White has undergone a minor surgical procedure to address a persistent joint issue. The 26-year-old had been managing the problem for weeks but was still able to feature in Arsenal’s recent fixtures, including starting roles in games against Chelsea and Inter. However, his condition limited him to a substitute appearance in the 1-0 loss to Newcastle on November 2.
Speaking before the Newcastle match, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta explained, “It’s a little issue, so we have to protect him.” Despite the surgery, White is expected to return to action soon, though no specific timeline has been provided.
White’s absence is another blow to an Arsenal side already plagued by injuries. Fellow defenders Riccardo Calafiori, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Kieran Tierney are currently sidelined, while Jurrien Timber has only just returned from a muscular issue.
Midfielders Martin Odegaard, Mikel Merino, and winger Bukayo Saka have also been unavailable for significant periods. Compounding Arsenal’s challenges, Declan Rice, William Saliba, and Leandro Trossard have all recently served suspensions.
Arteta acknowledged the toll injuries have taken on his squad, calling the last two months a “nightmare.” Speaking after Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea, he said, “I’m praying for an end to our injury issues.” That game saw fresh setbacks, with Rice and Saka forced off during the second half, ruling them out of England’s international fixtures.
Arsenal’s mounting injury list comes at a critical juncture in the season. Following the international break, the Gunners face a hectic schedule, starting with a home Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest on November 23.
This will be followed by a Champions League tie against Sporting on November 26, a London derby against West Ham on November 30, and a key home fixture against Manchester United on December 4.
Despite the adversity, Arsenal remain within reach of the top spots in the Premier League, though their draw against Chelsea left them nine points behind leaders Liverpool. With several players nearing fitness and others returning from suspension, Arteta will hope his side can steady their campaign during the busy period ahead.
