Arsenal defender Ben White will miss the remainder of the campaign after suffering a serious knee injury during Sunday’s 1-0 Premier League win over West Ham United.
Season Over for Ben White: Arsenal Defender Suffers Significant MCL Blow
The 27-year-old lasted just 28 minutes at London Stadium before a 50/50 challenge with Hammers winger Crysencio Summerville left him worse off.
Medical assessments later confirmed a significant medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury.
Arsenal released a statement confirming the severity: “Further to Sunday’s match, subsequent assessments and specialist reviews have confirmed that Ben White has sustained a significant medial knee ligament injury, which will rule him out for the remainder of this season.”
The club added that their medical team will now manage White’s recovery, with the aim of having him ready for pre-season preparations.
White’s absence creates a major headache for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. The right-back had started 13 of the last 14 matches, missing only the Champions League second leg against Sporting CP.
First-choice option Jurrien Timber remains sidelined with a groin injury suffered in the first half of Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Everton. Timber has now missed the last 12 games.
Cristian Mosquera stands as the only available right-back, though the position does not represent his natural role.
The timing could hardly be worse, with the Champions League final just three weeks away.
Either Timber or Mosquera faces the daunting task of stopping Paris Saint-Germain’s star winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Tuchel had only just recalled White to the England setup during the March internationals his first involvement since the 2022 World Cup. This injury now forces the German coach to reconsider his plans.
Reece James looks set to become first choice after fully recovering from his own injury troubles at Chelsea.
Newcastle’s Tino Livramento suffered a thigh injury in April’s 2-1 home defeat to Bournemouth, though Eddie Howe expects him to recover in time for the World Cup.
The big question surrounds Trent Alexander-Arnold. Tuchel named the Real Madrid full-back in his provisional 55-man squad, submitted to FIFA by 11th May.
Alexander-Arnold has not played for England since a World Cup qualifier against Andorra in June 2025, but logic suggests he now stands as White’s most direct replacement.
