Arsenal have been dealt a major injury setback after defender Ben White was ruled out for the remainder of the season with a suspected right knee ligament injury.
The 28-year-old was forced off during the first half of Arsenal’s Premier League win over West Ham United on May 10 after appearing to suffer discomfort in his right knee. Initial assessments now suggest White may have sustained medial collateral ligament damage, although the full extent of the injury is still being examined.
Early indications point towards a lengthy spell on the sidelines, with White expected to miss Arsenal’s final Premier League matches of the campaign. The defender is also anticipated to be unavailable for the UEFA Champions League final on May 31, a huge blow for Arsenal FC at a crucial stage of the season.
White has been an important figure in Mikel Arteta’s squad once again this season due to his versatility and consistency in defence. His absence could force Arsenal into reshuffling their backline during the decisive final weeks of the campaign.
The England international has already struggled with fitness concerns at different stages this season, and the latest setback now threatens to end his campaign in disappointing fashion.
Arsenal’s medical staff are continuing further examinations to determine the severity of the ligament damage and whether surgery will be required. The club are yet to release an official timeline for his recovery.