Mikel Arteta has provided a positive update on Ben White’s recovery, revealing the defender could return sooner than initially expected.
White recently underwent knee surgery for an injury he had been managing for some time.
His absence, alongside Takehiro Tomiyasu’s injury, has left Arsenal short at full-back, with Jurrien Timber the only fit, natural right-sided option.
Arteta had initially ruled White out for several months but now suggests the timeline could be shorter.
White has been a standout performer at right-back, playing a key role in Arsenal’s title challenges over the past two seasons.
However, this season he has faced increased competition from Timber and has struggled for consistent starts.
With White also capable of covering at centre-back, his return will be a welcome boost, especially with concerns over Gabriel’s fitness following a knock against Sporting CP.
Arsenal face West Ham on Saturday evening as they aim to maintain pressure on title rivals Manchester City and Liverpool, who clash at Anfield on Sunday.
White remains sidelined for now but is targeting a return in the new year to play a pivotal role in Arsenal’s campaign run-in.
Ahead of the Gunners’ game with West Ham, Arteta said: “The surgery went really well, there is no reaction after that. He is improving day by day but it is a process for the first four to six weeks.
“We have to be really cautious and don’t put any stress on that knee and then we will see how quickly he can recover and how it reacts after that.”
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