Arsenal's Premier League title ambitions and Champions League final preparations have been dealt a seismic blow with the news that Ben White will miss the remainder of the season due to a significant medial ligament injury. The 28-year-old defender was forced off in the first half of Sunday's 1-0 win at West Ham, leaving the London Stadium with his knee in a brace. On Tuesday, the club confirmed the worst fears: White will not feature in the final three fixtures, including the all-important Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain on 30 May.
The injury lays waste to White's recent renaissance. After a four-year exile from the national team, he was recalled by England manager Thomas Tuchel in March, scoring his first international goal in a draw with Uruguay before starting against Japan. Now, with Tuchel set to name his 26-man World Cup squad a week on Friday, White's tournament dreams appear over. Arsenal's statement read: "Our medical team are now managing Ben’s recovery and rehabilitation programme, with everyone fully focused on supporting the aim of Ben being ready for the start of our pre-season preparations."
For Mikel Arteta, the timing could not be worse. Arsenal sit atop the Premier League table, chasing a first title in 22 years, with only Burnley and Crystal Palace standing between them and glory — before the showdown with PSG in Budapest. White's absence robs the team of one of its most versatile and consistent performers. He has started the past five matches at right-back, filling in for the injured Jurriën Timber, who has not played since March due to a groin problem. Arteta admitted last week that Timber may not play again this season, leaving Arsenal without both senior right-backs.
The double injury crisis forces Arteta into yet another defensive reshuffle. Against West Ham, he moved Declan Rice to right-back in the first half, a decision he later conceded was a mistake, before correcting it by introducing Cristhian Mosquera at the expense of Martín Zubimendi. Rice, a midfielder by trade, performed admirably but exposed the lack of natural cover. Mosquera, a young prospect, is raw and untested at this level. Other options could include Takehiro Tomiyasu, who has experience on the right but has been sidelined himself, or Ben Godfrey, though neither offers the attacking thrust White provided.
White's output goes beyond defensive solidity. His underlapping runs and ability to play out from the back have been crucial to Arteta's system, allowing Bukayo Saka to drift inside. Without both White and Timber, Arsenal lose the width and balance that have been hallmarks of their campaign. The Champions League final against a star-studded PSG attack — likely featuring Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé — becomes an even more daunting prospect with a patched-up backline.
The title race, too, hangs in the balance. Arsenal are two points clear with three games left, meaning every match is a must-win. Burnley, fighting relegation, and Palace, hosting on the final day, will present formidable challenges. Palace have already announced enhanced security measures to prevent Arsenal fans from buying tickets in home sections, and the atmosphere at Selhurst Park is sure to be hostile. With a makeshift defence, Arsenal's margin for error is razor-thin.
History offers little comfort. Arsenal have been here before, losing key players at crucial moments. Last season's collapse was partly attributed to defensive injuries. Arteta will hope that the squad's depth — bolstered by significant investment — can absorb these blows, but the loss of White, in particular, leaves a gaping hole.
For White, the personal toll is severe. The 28-year-old fought his way back into the England setup after a difficult period, and a World Cup spot seemed assured. Now, he faces a race against time just to be fit for pre-season. His professionalism and resilience will be tested like never before.
Arteta, ever the optimist, will rally his troops. He preached "next man up" mentality when asked about the injuries, but privately, he must be concerned. The coming weeks will define Arsenal's season — and perhaps Arteta's legacy. Can they navigate this crisis and claim a historic double? Or will the absence of two key defenders prove insurmountable?
The road ahead is fraught, but Arsenal have shown character this season. Whether it is enough is a question that will be answered in the crucible of May. Based on reporting from The Guardian.