Ben White has been struggling with a joint issue throughout this season, and to address this ongoing discomfort, the 27-year-old defender has recently undergone a minor surgical procedure. This development comes as Arsenal experiences a challenging start to the season, currently positioned fourth in the Premier League table, trailing leaders Liverpool by nine points.
White’s participation in recent matches has been limited due to this injury. He managed to start in Arsenal’s last two games against Chelsea and Inter, but prior to these games, he could only muster enough fitness to come off the bench during their 1-0 defeat to Newcastle on November 2. Speaking about White’s condition before that fixture, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta addressed the issue by noting, “It’s a little issue, so we have to protect him,” emphasizing the need for caution with the defender’s health.
This season, White has also been unable to participate in key matches against Leicester, Paris Saint-Germain, and Southampton, where he was relegated to a substitute role in the 2-2 draw against Manchester City on September 22. His absence has put extra strain on Arsenal’s defense, which is already missing fellow defenders Riccardo Calafiori, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Kieran Tierney due to injuries. Recent return from injury for Jurrien Timber adds some hope, but overall, the defensive lineup has faced significant challenges.
Moreover, Arsenal’s woes extend beyond the defense, as several key players have also suffered injuries. Midfielders Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka, along with Mikel Merino, have faced their own injury troubles. Further complicating matters, Declan Rice, William Saliba, and Leandro Trossard have been unavailable due to suspensions for red cards, leading Arteta to express concern. Following a “nightmare eight weeks,” he was heard saying that he was “praying” for an end to the club’s injury complications after the disappointing 1-1 draw with Chelsea, a match that left Arsenal significantly behind in the title race.
During the match against Chelsea, more injury concerns arose when Saka and Rice were forced off the pitch in the second half, which has now resulted in them opting out of international duty with England. This continuous cycle of injuries has led to a tense atmosphere surrounding the club as they navigate through a crucial phase of the season.
White’s surgery takes on added significance as Arsenal gears up for a notably busy schedule. Upon returning from the international break, they are slated to face Nottingham Forest in a Premier League home game on Saturday, November 23. This will be followed by a Champions League match against Sporting on Tuesday, November 26, and subsequently, a tough fixture against West Ham on Saturday, November 30, ahead of a high-profile encounter with Manchester United on Wednesday, December 4.
In parallel with these sporting matters, off-the-pitch activities are also in full swing. Arsenal executives are currently making their way to the United States to engage in talks with the Kroenke family, focusing on planning for the summer transfer window. This conversation is particularly pressing following the resignation of Edu, the former sporting director, and with the January transfer window approaching, discussions will likely cover potential replacements.
The November international break was seen as an opportune moment for the club’s leaders to convene and devise strategies as they move forward without Edu. The former midfielder is currently on a six-month gardening leave before transitioning to a new role under Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis. In the interim, Jason Ayto, the assistant sporting director, has stepped in to fulfill Edu’s duties as the club searches for a permanent successor. This period of transition adds another layer of complexity to the club’s overall performance as they nurture their aspirations for the season ahead.
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