The Gunners have suffered another Arsenal defensive setback as Ben White is expected to be sidelined for four to five weeks following a hamstring injury sustained in the Premier League clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers on 13 December.
The setback comes at a crucial stage of the season, with the Gunners facing a demanding run of fixtures in both domestic and European competitions.
White was forced off the pitch shortly after the half-hour mark at the Emirates Stadium, limping out of the game as concerns over the severity of his injury quickly mounted.
Subsequent scans confirmed the damage, leaving Mikel Arteta with a significant defensive headache.
Speaking after the match, the Arsenal manager admitted the news was worrying, describing the situation as “not good news” and acknowledging the timing as particularly challenging.
The Arsenal defensive setback is compounded by the fact that White had only recently regained consistent playing minutes following a previous knee injury.
His absence now adds to a growing list of defensive concerns, with Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhaes also sidelined with long-term injuries.
The Gunners’ backline is increasingly stretched, raising questions over squad depth and tactical adjustments needed to maintain their competitive edge.
According to early reports from The Sun, White could be out for at least a month, and further updates suggest the right-back’s recovery may push his return into late January 2026.
While Arsenal have yet to confirm an official timeline, the prevailing expectation across informed sources points to a prolonged absence that will force Arteta to adjust his defensive plans for the foreseeable future.
Tactical Challenges Amid Fixture Congestion
With a busy festive schedule ahead, Arsenal must navigate a demanding sequence of games, including an upcoming Premier League trip to Everton.
The Arsenal defensive setback requires careful management, both in terms of player rotation and tactical setup.
Arteta has previously expressed concern about the recurring fitness issues within his squad, warning that the team risks falling into a “dangerous circle” of injuries that could compromise their title ambitions.
White’s absence is particularly significant given his role as a dependable and versatile defender.
Whether deployed at centre-back or right-back, he has been integral to Arsenal’s defensive structure, contributing to both their Premier League lead and Champions League ambitions.
Without him, Arteta may need to rely on less experienced players or reshuffle the backline, potentially exposing vulnerabilities against strong attacking opponents.
Squad Depth and Managerial Strategy
Arsenal’s squad depth will be tested in the coming weeks as they attempt to maintain their momentum across competitions.
Players such as William Saliba, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Kieran Tierney may be required to shoulder more responsibility, while tactical adjustments could see midfielders drop deeper or full-backs adopt more conservative positioning.
Arteta’s ability to adapt to these challenges will be critical in ensuring the Arsenal defensive setback does not derail their campaign.
His management of injuries, player rotations, and in-game tactics will be put under scrutiny as the team aims to stay at the top of the Premier League table and progress in cup competitions.
The Gunners remain leaders in the Premier League, but this latest blow highlights the fragility of their defensive options.
White’s absence underscores the importance of squad rotation, injury prevention, and strategic planning in sustaining success over the long, congested season.
