Ben White Injury Adds to Arsenal’s Defensive Woes Ahead Champions League Clash

Ben White injury confirmed by Arteta as Arsenal battles defensive setbacks ahead of Champions League clash with Real Madrid.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that the Ben White injury kept the defender out of the squad during the Gunners’ 2–1 Premier League win over Fulham. White’s absence sparked concern among fans, especially as Arsenal faces mounting defensive setbacks.

Speaking after the match, Arteta revealed that White picked up a knee injury during training just two days before kickoff.

“Ben had a little niggle two days ago. Yesterday we tried, but he wasn’t feeling right, so we decided not to put him in the squad today,” Arteta said.

Ben White injury adds to Arsenal’s growing list of defensive concerns, with the manager confirming it was a precautionary decision to protect the player’s long-term fitness.

Defensive Depth Tested

Arsenal’s backline suffered further blows during the Fulham match. Gabriel Magalhães left the pitch early with a suspected hamstring issue, while Jurrien Timber struggled to finish the game due to discomfort. Arteta admitted the situation is worrying, especially with key fixtures ahead.

“Gabriel never wants to come off, and he had to. He’s not very sure how big it is, but he felt he could not continue,” Arteta added.

Despite the injuries, Arsenal showed resilience. Mikel Merino opened the scoring, and Bukayo Saka marked his return with a crucial second goal. Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz pulled one back in stoppage time, but the Gunners held firm to secure all three points.

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Champions League Looms

Ben White injury and other setbacks come at a critical time, with Arsenal preparing for a Champions League quarterfinal against Real Madrid. Arteta’s cautious approach reflects the need to manage player fitness carefully as the team enters a decisive phase of the season.

Supporters continue to speculate about White’s recovery timeline. With Arsenal’s defensive depth stretched thin, the squad’s adaptability and determination will be key to maintaining momentum in both domestic and European competitions.

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