Arsenal’s right-back crisis deepens as Arteta loses two key defenders

Mikel Arteta has admitted that losing both Ben White and Jurrien Timber to injury leaves Arsenal with a major headache at right-back.

“We Need to Look at Alternatives”: Double Injury Blow as White and Timber Sidelined

The Gunners face an uncertain end to the season after their defensive options took a significant hit.

White suffered an MCL injury during Sunday’s 1-0 win over West Ham, while Timber has been sidelined since representing the Netherlands during the March international break.

Arteta confirmed that White faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

“It looks like a long-term injury,” Mikel Areta on Arsenal Press Conference.

“The focus is that we cannot have him back for many, many weeks.”

There remains a slight chance that Timber could return before the season ends, but Arteta refused to offer any guarantees.

“There is a chance,” he said.

“But how big the chance is, I cannot tell you. He’s been out for a while, unfortunately. He is such an important player for us.”

The Spaniard also revealed that Riccardo Calafiori remains doubtful for Monday’s fixture, with his availability depending on how he responds in the coming days.

With two recognised right-backs unavailable, Arteta must now get creative.

He experimented with Declan Rice in that role against Brighton with great success, but the same approach did not work against West Ham.

“The sample is so tiny,” Arteta explained.

“It is very difficult to judge a player when he has low minutes.”

Cristian Mosquera replaced White in the second half at the London Stadium, but Arteta insists he has multiple options in mind.

“There are different options in relation to the opponents as well as the things I want to do,” he said.

“I want to be flexible.”

The manager drew on Arsenal’s experience of navigating injuries across the pitch this season, adding:

“We have managed still to find the right level of performance and consistency, so I am sure we will do that.”