Ben White was forced to come off during Arsenal’s Premier League clash against West Ham at the London Stadium on Sunday
Ben White leaves the pitch after receiving medical treatment during an Arsenal game(Image: Getty Images)
Ben White has been ruled out of the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain and is now a major doubt for the World Cup. White had to make way in the first half following a collision with Crysensio Summerville during Arsenal’s match with West Ham on Sunday.
White has suffered an MCL (Medial Collateral Ligament) injury in his knee that could rule him out of England duty this summer. The right‑back was replaced by Martin Zubimendi last weekend, shortly before the half‑hour mark, with Declan Rice dropping in at right‑back.
The Athletic report that the full extent of the injury is still being assessed, but the early view is that White has suffered a right knee ligament injury, with the first prognosis pointing to suspected MCL damage. As a result, he will miss the rest of the campaign.
The 28‑year‑old was seen leaving the London Stadium with a knee brace after the 1‑0 win over the Hammers. It’s claimed he will be unavailable for the Champions League final against holders PSG in Budapest on May 30.
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Speaking to reporters after the game, Mikel Arteta provided a concerning update on White. “We don’t know, but it does not look good at all. He will need testing,” the Arsenal boss said.
Then, speaking to Sky Sports, Arteta described the enforced change as a ‘difficult’ turning point in the game.
“We knew it was going to be tough day; they are fighting for their lives and we are trying to win the Premier League,” Arteta added.
“Then the injury of Ben, we had to make a change and adapt, we had to make difficult decisions. We threw everything we had to try and win it.”
With Jurrien Timber also sidelined since March with an ankle issue, Arteta faces a significant selection dilemma.
The England international has featured 30 times across all competitions this season but has been limited to just nine Premier League starts. He started Arsenal’s last five matches, including both legs of their Champions League semi‑final win over Atletico Madrid.
Cristhian Mosquera is the likely candidate to be deployed at right‑back for the final in Budapest, although Rice filled in at full‑back briefly after White’s withdrawal.
Losing White is a major blow – not only because of the level he’s been playing at, but also due to his revival alongside Bukayo Saka, which has transformed Arsenal’s right flank.
The situation means Mosquera is now likely to be prepared to start the final three matches. Signed for around £15million last summer, the Spaniard has impressed and earned a senior call‑up to the Spain squad, putting him firmly in Luis de la Fuente’s thoughts for the World Cup.
In addition to Timber, Mikel Merino remains sidelined, while Riccardo Calafiori picked up a fresh injury at the weekend. It’s unclear whether they will return before the Premier League season concludes on May 24.
Arsenal are back in action next Monday, hosting relegated Burnley at the Emirates Stadium (8pm).
