White's Injury: World Cup Hopes Fade for Arsenal Star

Ben White has been ruled out for many weeks due to a significant medial knee ligament injury sustained against West Ham. This long-term absence effectively ends his season with Arsenal and casts doubt on his World Cup involvement. The injury has created a significant defensive challenge for Mikel Arteta, particularly at right-back.

Arteta is exploring various options to fill the void, with Jurriën Timber's potential return from a groin issue being a key focus. While Timber has shown progress, his match fitness for the Champions League final remains uncertain. Other possibilities include Cristhian Mosquera and Declan Rice, though their suitability for the demanding role against top wingers is questionable given limited experience.

The manager acknowledged the difficulty in assessing players with minimal game time in the position. He noted mixed performances from Rice, who was exceptional against Brighton but struggled against West Ham. Arteta also considered the unconventional option of using left-footed Riccardo Calafiori on the right, but acknowledged the inherent risks and his injury concerns.