Arsenal defender Ben White has undergone a minor surgical procedure on his aggravated joint he has been living with all season. Following two games, playing the entirety of both-the Champions League game against Inter Milan-one of those in which it was decided surgery was required to alleviate pain that would miss around eight weeks of action.
Well, this is the latest injury in a list of mounting fitness concerns that Arsenal have accumulated, with some of their most important players, such as Takehiro Tomiyasu and summer signing Riccardo Calafiori, now on the way to recovery. The Gunners have had a torrid opening to the season, suffering issues of lack of depth and fitness setbacks that continue to hinder their title race ambitions, Sky Sports reported.
Impact of Ben White
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta believes they will be healthier heading into matches after the international break, with Nottingham Forest up next on November 23, then a Champions League encounter against Sporting Lisbon.
One of the factors that added to the injury woes at the start of such a critical period of the season is because Ben White had surgery recently on a knee joint problem.
This is the moment Arsenal’s injury issue begins to somewhat thin down their choices on defense, first with Takehiro Tomiyasu and then Riccardo Calafiori.
Ben White will be missing as well; the multi-role player Ben White played a crucial part in cementing certain positions as a center-back and right-back.
Tough fixture on the horizon
Today, at present, Arsenal plays Nottingham Forest on November 23 and then has a couple of crucial matches in the Champions League against Sporting Lisbon. Of course, his absence leaves the side vulnerable in these key games.
With regard to White’s recovery timeline overlapping with the hectic fixture period that follows the holidays, it would be important for Arsenal to have sufficient squad depth.
Repetitive Injury Concerns: Arsenal are steadily accumulating injury concerns with the main players Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and Martin Ødegaard out due to fitness issues. Arteta feels that the side will need a fully fit squad in the next round of games after the break to stay ahead of the curve.
Arsenal Options in the Road Ahead
Arsenal may try to address some tactical aspects where they are possibly lacking in defenders, particularly in matches that require more solidity.
Ben White injured himself at a very challenging time in the current calendar when Arsenal aim to continue competing at the top levels in the title race for the Premier League and progress into the next rounds of the Champions League. The management of injuries during this phase will be the greatest test the club faces regarding depth and strength.
For more sports updates, make sure to follow us on:
Pingback: Arsenal Injury Update: Five Players Expected to join soon