Arsenal have been dealt a significant injury blow as defender Ben White was forced off during their crucial Premier League clash with West Ham. The right-back suffered a knee injury after jarring his leg while making a challenge, leaving him visibly uncomfortable and unable to continue.
Mikel Arteta was forced into an immediate tactical reshuffle, with Declan Rice initially moving to right-back and Martin Zubimendi coming on. At half-time, further changes saw Cristhian Mosquera introduced for Riccardo Calafiori, allowing Mosquera to slot in at right-back, Myles Lewis-Skelly moving to left-back, and Rice returning to midfield.
With only two Premier League games remaining, White's injury could prove costly in Arsenal's title pursuit. The club are chasing their first domestic league title in 22 years, and the defender's absence would be a major setback. Additionally, White was recently recalled to the England squad and could now miss the World Cup, which begins in just one month.
Arsenal were already without first-choice right-back Jurrien Timber, who has missed the last 11 games with an ankle injury. The pressure on the Gunners intensified after Manchester City's 3-0 win over Brentford on Saturday, moving five points clear at the top, albeit having played one more game.
