Ben White has been ruled out of the UEFA Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain and is now a major doubt to represent England at the FIFA World Cup. White was forced off in the first half following a collision with Crysensio Summerville during Arsenal’s 1-0 win against West Ham United on Sunday.
White has sustained an MCL (Medial Collateral Ligament) injury to his knee that could force him to miss the World Cup. The right-back was replaced by Martin Zubimendi last weekend, shortly before the half-hour mark, with Declan Rice slotting in at right-back.
“Further to Sunday’s match at West Ham United, subsequent assessments and specialist reviews have confirmed that Ben White has sustained a significant medial knee ligament injury, which will rule him out for the remainder of this season,” Arsenal said in a statement, via football.london.
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White’s hopes of reaching this summer’s FIFA World Cup are looking slim -Credit:Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
“Our medical team are now managing Ben’s recovery and rehabilitation programme, with everyone fully focused on supporting the aim of Ben being ready for the start of our pre-season preparations.”
The 28-year-old was spotted departing the London Stadium wearing a knee brace following the victory over the Hammers.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Mikel Arteta delivered a troubling update on White’s condition. “We don’t know, but it does not look good at all. He will need testing,” the Arsenal manager said.
In a subsequent interview with Sky Sports, Arteta described the enforced change as a ‘difficult’ turning point in the game.
“We knew it was going to be tough day; they are fighting for their lives and we are trying to win the Premier League,” Arteta added.
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“Then the injury of Ben, we had to make a change and adapt, we had to make difficult decisions. We threw everything we had to try and win it.”
With Jurrien Timber also on the sidelines since March due to an ankle problem, Arteta is left with a considerable selection headache.
The England international has made 30 appearances across all competitions this season, yet has managed only nine Premier League starts. He started Arsenal’s last five games, including both legs of their Champions League semi-final victory over Atletico Madrid.
Cristhian Mosquera appears the most likely option to slot in at right-back for the final in Budapest, though Rice briefly covered at full-back following White’s exit.
Losing White represents a massive setback — not only given the form he has shown, but also because of his rejuvenated partnership with Bukayo Saka, which has breathed new life into Arsenal’s right flank.
Cristhian Mosquera may well fill in for White at right back -Credit:Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Now, though, Mosquera is poised to start the remaining three games. Acquired for approximately £15 ($18) million last summer, the Spaniard has made a strong impression and earned a senior call-up to the Spain national team, placing him firmly on Luis de la Fuente’s radar for the World Cup.
Alongside Timber, Mikel Merino remains on the sidelines, while Riccardo Calafiori sustained a new injury over the weekend. Whether either player will return before the Premier League season wraps up on May 24 remains uncertain.
Arsenal return to action next Monday, welcoming relegated Burnley to the Emirates Stadium.
