Arsenal defender Ben White is set to miss the next three months following knee surgery, according to reports.
White, who had been battling persistent knee problems earlier in the season, opted for surgery after attempts to return to action proved unsuccessful.
Manager Mikel Arteta addressed the situation, outlining the difficulties White faced. “Ben will be out for months,” Arteta confirmed. “It’s not been one recurring issue but a series of different struggles.
When things didn’t improve, surgery became the necessary step to protect his long-term health. Unfortunately, it means a few months out, and now we’ll closely monitor his recovery.”
The **Daily Mail** suggests that Arsenal’s medical team does not expect White to return before February, with an earlier comeback seen as highly unlikely.
His absence is a major blow for Arsenal, given his importance to their defensive setup. Arteta will now have to depend on alternative options during a critical part of the season.
White’s injury compounds Arsenal’s ongoing fitness challenges this season, which Arteta has frequently cited as a factor behind the team’s inconsistent performances.
Losing such a versatile defender will further test the squad’s resilience as they continue to compete in domestic and European competitions.
However, there is some positive news for Arsenal on the injury front. Jurrien Timber has recently returned from his own injury and is performing well at right-back, while Riccardo Calafiori’s recovery has strengthened the left-back position. These returns offer Arteta some much-needed defensive reinforcement.
Still, White’s absence leaves a noticeable gap in Arsenal’s defense. His versatility and adaptability across multiple positions have been invaluable.
As Arsenal navigate this challenging period, much will depend on White’s recovery progress and the ability of other players to step up in his absence.
