Arsenal have a full week to prepare for what could be a Premier League title decider at home to Burnley.
The Gunners are in such a position thanks to Leandro Trossard’s goal that secured a 1-0 win over West Ham at the weekend, though victory was only confirmed after a nail-biting VAR review in stoppage-time.
Mikel Arteta praised the match officials for at the London Stadium overturning an “obvious error” which resulted in Callum Wilson’s goal being disallowed as David Raya was adjudged to have been fouled by Hammers striker Pablo Felipe.
Arsenal are once again five points clear at top of the Premier League and will clinch the title by beating Burnley next Monday – but only if Manchester City fail to record a win over Crystal Palace this Wednesday night.
However, on a negative note for the Gunners, Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori both left east London with injuries, thus placing their involvement for the remaining Premier League fixtures and the Champions League final in serious doubt.
With that in mind, here is the latest Arsenal injury news and return dates…
Ben White
White was seen leaving the London Stadium with his right knee in a brace after being substituted midway through the first-half as he challenged with Crysencio Summerville.
The defender, required lengthy treatment and was replaced by Martin Zubimendi which then resulted in Declan Rice moving to right-back and Arsenal subsequently losing control of the match.
White was spotted trudging around the pitch uncomfortably and Arteta has since suggested the injury is a concerning one.
Ben White was forced off against West Ham (Getty)
“We don’t know but it doesn’t look good at all,” Arteta said in the post-match press conference.
“He needs some further testing tomorrow probably and then we will know.”
Potential return date: Unknown
Riccardo Calafiori
There was some confusion surrounding Calafiori’s half-time substitution.
After the Italy international had been replaced by Cristhian Mosquera, Gary Neville suggested on Sky Sports that it was a tactical decision by Arteta.
However, the Arsenal manager revealed after the match that Calafiori’s withdrawal at the break was enforced by injury.
“We had to make another change with Richy,” Arteta said.
Considering Calafiori’s injury record, there will be hope this latest setback is not too serious, though an update on how serious the issue is has not been provided yet.
Potential return date: Monday May 18, vs Burnley (H)
Jurrien Timber
It is nearly two full months since Jurrien Timber last played for Arsenal.
The defender was forced off in the 2-0 win over Everton on March 14 and has subsequently missed the last 12 games in all competitions with a groin problem that also saw him withdraw from the Netherlands squad for games against Norway and Ecuador.
Mikel Arteta has since admitted Timber’s injury has proved to be a complicated one and he may not feature again this season.
Jurrien Timber travelled with the Arsenal squad to the London Stadium (Getty)
Arteta said: ““Yes, that’s been probably the most difficult thing to manage.
“With the player and with myself as well because we didn’t expect it to take so long and at the moment he’s not fit to play.”
Potential return date: Unknown
Mikel Merino
Mikel Merino is in a race against the clock to play for Arsenal again this season and be fit for Spain for the World Cup, after having surgery on a foot injury in February.
The midfielder has returned to individual training and is doing some work on the grass. There have been suggestions he could be available for selection against PSG in the Champions League final.
Arteta, however, remains unsure as to whether Merino will feature in any of Arsenal’s remaining three games of the campaign.
“I don’t know, there’s still a fair bit to do,” Arteta said.
“Everything needs to be so smooth and quick if they want to have a chance to play any minutes.”
Potential return date: Saturday May 30, vs PSG (N)
