Mikel Arteta has admitted that Ben White's injury 'doesn't look good', casting doubt over the Arsenal defender's chances of making England's World Cup squad. White was forced off during the first half of Arsenal's 1-0 win at West Ham on Sunday after appearing to injure his knee in a challenge with Crysencio Summerville.
The 28-year-old was seen grimacing as he was helped from the pitch by medical staff, and later left the ground wearing a knee brace. 'We don't know but it doesn't look good at all,' Arteta said. 'He needs some further testing tomorrow probably and then we will know.'
The injury is a major blow for Arsenal, who also lost Riccardo Calafiori to an issue at half-time. Arteta was forced to reshuffle his defence, moving Declan Rice to right-back before introducing Cristhian Mosquera. Jurrien Timber is also currently absent.
For White, the timing is particularly unfortunate. He earned a surprise recall to the England squad in March under Thomas Tuchel and had hoped to secure a place on the plane to the World Cup in North America. The injury could now jeopardise that ambition.
Arsenal face two more Premier League matches before the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain on 30 May, but White's participation in both is now in serious doubt.
