Arsenal’s title hopes have taken a significant hit as defender Ben White is set to miss several months due to multiple injuries, manager Mikel Arteta revealed on Friday.
The 27-year-old underwent knee surgery earlier this month, sources report, and faces an extended recovery period that may include additional operations.
This development compounds Arsenal’s defensive woes at a critical juncture in the season.
“Ben is going to be out for months,” Arteta confirmed in his pre-match press conference ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Nottingham Forest.
“It’s been different kinds of struggles. It’s never been the same thing. It got to a point where we have to protect the player and let him have surgery. Unfortunately, it’s going to be a few months. We have to see how he reacts post-surgery.”
White, who started in Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea just before the international break, has already missed key fixtures this season, including matches against Newcastle United and Manchester City.
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He was also unavailable for Arsenal’s Champions League tie against Paris Saint-Germain, underlining his struggles with fitness.
Defensive Crisis for Arsenal
White’s absence isn’t the only blow to Arsenal’s defense. Takehiro Tomiyasu is also sidelined indefinitely following a recurrence of a knee injury, Arteta confirmed.
This defensive crisis comes at a time when Arsenal is striving to maintain momentum in both domestic and European competitions.
Currently fourth in the Premier League, they trail leaders Liverpool by nine points and reigning champions Manchester City by four.
Key Players Return to Training
On a brighter note, Arsenal has welcomed back several key players to training. Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Riccardo Calafiori, and Leandro Trossard, who all faced recent injury concerns, are back with the squad.
Their return could provide a much-needed boost as Arsenal hosts Nottingham Forest this weekend.
Arsenal’s pursuit of a Premier League title this season has hit a roadblock with the loss of White, but the team will be looking to bounce back and close the gap on the leaders.
Arteta’s side faces a crucial stretch, and how they adapt to these challenges could define their season.
