Arsenal defender Ben White is set to miss the remainder of the season after sustaining a suspected medial collateral ligament injury to his right knee. The full extent of the damage remains unclear, but early assessments indicate he will be sidelined for the final two Premier League matches, the Champions League final on May 31, and it’s highly unlikely he will feature in the World Cup for England.
White, 28, was substituted during the first half of Arsenal’s 3-1 victory over West Ham United on May 10. Manager Mikel Arteta admitted afterward, “He doesn’t look good at all.”
The injury adds to Arsenal’s defensive concerns, as fellow right-back Jurrien Timber is also struggling with a groin problem, leaving the club short on options in that position. White’s absence is a significant blow for Arteta, especially given his intelligent link-up play with winger Bukayo Saka, which has helped Saka rediscover his form. White also delivered a superb performance in the Champions League semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid.
White has played 30 times across all competitions this season, but only nine league starts, with four of those coming in the last five Premier League games as he stepped in for the injured Timber. His career has been disrupted by injuries over the past 18 months; he missed three months of the 2024-25 campaign following knee surgery, followed by several short-term absences this term.
Arsenal have two top-flight fixtures left: at home against Burnley on May 18 and away to Crystal Palace on May 24, as they chase their first Premier League title in 22 years. They then face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final on May 30.
White returned to the England squad in March for the first time since leaving the 2022 Qatar World Cup for personal reasons, featuring in friendlies against Uruguay and Japan. England begin their 2026 World Cup campaign against Costa Rica on June 10, but White’s participation now appears in doubt.
With Timber also sidelined, Arteta temporarily shifted Declan Rice to right-back against West Ham before switching to Cristhian Mosquera. The 21-year-old Spaniard, primarily a center-back, has filled in impressively as a full-back several times this season. However, a Champions League final against PSG, likely featuring Kvicha Kvaratskhelia as left winger, would be a major test for Mosquera. Arsenal fans will hope Timber recovers in time for Budapest, though Arteta has not provided a clear timeline for his return.