Mikel Arteta has delivered sobering news on Arsenal's mounting defensive injury crisis, confirming that Ben White will miss the remainder of the season following a knee injury sustained in the 1-0 victory over West Ham. The injury setback has forced the Gunners to reassess their right-back options ahead of Monday's clash with Burnley.
"It looks like a long-term injury," Arteta stated in his pre-match press conference. "The focus now is on when we can have him back available for Arsenal, and that's not going to happen for many, many weeks." White had been deputising admirably for first-choice right-back Jurrien Timber, who has been sidelined since mid-March with an ankle injury that threatens to rule him out of the remainder of the season.
Timber's Recovery Offers Slender Hope
The Arsenal manager offered a glimmer of optimism regarding Timber's availability for the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, though his cautious tone suggested realistic expectations. "He has progressed a little bit in the last few days," Arteta explained. "There is a chance he returns, but how big that chance is I cannot tell you." Timber's leadership and technical quality have been missed across the Gunners' backline, with Arteta emphasising the midfielder's importance beyond simply his on-pitch performance.
Arsenal's right-back shortage has been deepened by concerns over Riccardo Calafiori, who was withdrawn at half-time during the West Ham match. The Italian defender's availability for upcoming fixtures remains uncertain as medical staff assess the nature of his complaint.
Multiple Solutions Required
With White absent and Timber's return far from guaranteed, Cristhian Mosquera is expected to start at right-back against Burnley. However, Arteta has indicated that flexibility will be essential for navigating the remainder of the campaign. "We need to be open not to one but to two or three options," he said, acknowledging that injuries could strike any of his defensive options without warning. The tactical adjustments and positional rotations required suggest Arsenal may need to adapt their approach depending on opponent and system for the final weeks of the season, with squad depth now paramount as the club pursues multiple competitions.
