Arsenal fans, rejoice! The good news is that Ben White is on the cusp of finally returning from injury. White’s return is just what the Gunners need to help reconstitute Mikel Arteta’s squad, as it looks as thin as a Sunday morning newspaper.
The defender, now needing an eternity to miss 21 games, underwent knee surgery in November. And he’s back on the pitch, ready to reearn his place, but it is now after that intense mid-season training camp in Dubai.
White’s Recovery: The Long Road Back
Many feared the worst when Ben White limped off last year. He went on to surgery, rehab and endless hours in the gym, but the good thing is that he is now training with the first team again.
It is said the 27-year-old could be making his return when the Gunners take on Leicester City on Saturday. I mean, Arteta would probably drive him to the stadium himself if it meant getting his defense in shape.
Saka Steps Up Recovery: A Ray of Hope
Ben White is close, but Bukayo Saka is a couple of weeks yet behind. In December, Arsenal fans clutched their scarves in despair watching one of their young superstars forced into surgery.
But Saka’s recovery has been nothing but inspiring. He is back in the gym now, working tirelessly so he can get back to full fitness after being spotted on crutches just last month. While his presence in Dubai is in a way progressing, I don’t think we will be seeing him knocking down the wing just yet.
Arsenal’s Growing Injury List: When Will It End?
Arsenal would be top of the league with injuries as trophies. For example, here is who’s already in the treatment room:
Gabriel Jesus: Out for the season (knee)
Next month (hamstring): Bukayo Saka—expected return
Gabriel Martinelli: Out for a month (muscle injury)
It all speaks of a weaker Arsenal attacking unit, with only Kai Havertz remaining of Arteta’s regular front three. It was (and fell) in January when the club pushed Ollie Watkins in what will certainly be a painful injury crisis.
Can White fix Arsenal’s defensive issues?
White is just what Arsenal’s defense needs—some much-needed stability after they have been a bit wobbly across the last few weeks. While Jurrien Timber has been channeling his inner Pedro last month in filling in Jurrien at right back, Arteta will be eager to have back White’s experience and composure.
But will he be match-fit? That’s the big question. White will have to shake off the rust after such a long layoff, after a few games. However, his mere presence should be just what Arsenal needs to ward off the attack.
My Take on Arsenal’s Injury Woes
I’m an Arsenal fan, and I’ve become a very old man in the last 10 years of this injury crisis. Whenever a player goes down, I half expect Arteta to go to me and ask if I can play left back. Woe is us; seeing such a great team out injured is heartbreaking, though it seems there’s a silver lining to it as this adversity could make the best of this team.
White’s return is positive, even if Saka’s absence still hurts, but so far Arsenal have survived, and a lot of credit must go to them for that. If the squad can get through the last couple weeks, it will be strong as anything. Hopefully, no more injuries and more goals remain for the second half of the season now!
Final Thoughts: Arsenal Needs Luck and Fitness
This will be a much-needed upgrade to Arsenal’s defense as Ben White returns. Anyway, there is so much fitness still to come back from to contend with, and Arteta is having to do that.
If the Gunners want to finish in the title race, they must get their key players back as soon as they can. But fans can at least also take some solace with the fact that at least one star is returning to the action for now.
For more sports updates, make sure to follow us on:
