Arsenal defender Ben White is set to miss out on England's World Cup squad after sustaining a significant medial knee ligament injury. The Gunners confirmed the unfortunate news on Tuesday, stating that while the injury will not require surgical intervention, the recovery period will be extensive enough to rule the full-back out of contention for the tournament in Qatar later this year.
White, who has been a consistent performer for Arsenal this season, had been considered a strong candidate for Gareth Southgate's England squad. His versatility, capable of playing at right-back or centre-back, offered valuable options for the national team manager. The injury comes as a significant blow to both the player and England's defensive depth ahead of the major international competition.
The exact timeline for White's return to competitive action has not been specified by Arsenal, but medial knee ligament injuries typically require several weeks, if not months, of rehabilitation. This timeframe would undoubtedly extend beyond the final squad selection and preparation period for the World Cup, which commences in November.
For Arsenal, White's absence will also present a challenge in their upcoming fixtures. The 25-year-old has been an integral part of Mikel Arteta's defence, contributing to their strong start to the Premier League season. His availability has been crucial, particularly given the demands of domestic and European competitions.
The injury will likely see other defensive players at Arsenal step up to fill the void. Manager Mikel Arteta will now need to assess his options carefully as the team navigates a busy schedule without one of its key defensive pillars. The focus for White will now shift entirely to his rehabilitation, with the aim of returning to full fitness for the latter half of the club season.