Arsenal will be without defender Ben White for the next three months following knee surgery, as reported by multiple sources. White had been struggling with persistent knee problems earlier in the season and opted for surgery after unsuccessful attempts to fully recover and return to action.
Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed the setback, shedding light on White’s struggles. “Ben is going to be out for months,” Arteta said. “It hasn’t been the same issue recurring but rather a series of different challenges.
When it became clear that the situation wasn’t improving, surgery became the necessary option to safeguard the player’s long-term health.
Unfortunately, his recovery will take a few months, and now we must monitor his progress post-surgery.”
According to The Daily Mail, Arsenal’s medical team does not expect White to return before February. Any earlier comeback would be considered an exceptional outcome.
This timeline represents a major blow for the Gunners, as White has been a crucial figure in their defense. His absence will force Arteta to rely heavily on other defensive options during a pivotal period in the season.
White’s injury further compounds Arsenal’s fitness woes, which have plagued the team throughout the campaign. Arteta has frequently highlighted the impact of injuries to key players on the team’s inconsistent performances.
Losing White, who has been a versatile and reliable presence in the backline, only adds to Arsenal’s challenges as they compete on domestic and European fronts.
Despite White’s absence, there is some positive news for Arsenal’s defense. Jurrien Timber has recently returned from injury and has been performing well in the right-back position, providing much-needed stability. Similarly, Riccardo Calafiori’s recovery has strengthened the left side of the defense, offering Arteta more options during this challenging phase.
While these returns alleviate some pressure, White’s absence remains a significant concern. His adaptability and ability to perform in multiple defensive roles are hard to replace, leaving a notable gap in Arsenal’s backline.
As the Gunners aim to maintain their competitive edge, much will depend on how quickly White recovers and whether other players can rise to the occasion in his absence.
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