Arsenal could sanction shock transfer after latest injury blow

Yet again, Benjamin White was absent from Arsenal training on Thursday as the club opened its doors to broadcast media. This could indicate a potential injury having been suffered once again.

Mikel Arteta will address the media later on Friday morning with updates to come. However, White has already suffered from a knee problem at Old Trafford, which is so far his only Premier League appearance of the campaign.

White was absent for the majority of last season after undergoing a procedure to try and fix the problem. However, since returning, he has suffered from several issues during the stage of recovery that sees him reintegrated into matches.

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If yet another problem costs White the chance of being with the squad, this puts extra emphasis on Jurrien Timber, who himself has been exposed to two surgeries in the last three years, to play more minutes. Cristhian Mosquera has been used in the role to provide cover, but despite his strong defensive acumen, he lacks the quality in the final third.

This has therefore raised questions about the strength in depth of the right-back position. Mikel Arteta is keen to have two strong options in every role, and if White cannot consistently provide such cover change could be needed.

It cost Kieran Tierney a solid place in Arteta’s side despite extending his contract. The Scotsman could not prove his consistent availability, and eventually, the club moved to sign Oleksandr Zinchenko a year after the now Celtic defender’s deal was renewed. Tierney would leave on loan to Real Sociedad, which marked the beginning of the end of his Gunners’ career.

Emile Smith Rowe was another player whose injuries prevented him from getting regular game time. Eventually, the arrival of Leandro Trossard forced Smith Rowe out of the wide left role, where Gabriel Martinelli had further established himself.

Martin Odegaard, as captain, prevented minutes centrally, and so an exit was eventually agreed to by Fulham. It is possible that if injuries persist for White, this trend of injury-hit players could see him leave.

In January, the club could look to sign a replacement, and in the previous summer window were linked with a move for Girona’s Arnau Martinez. White’s future with Arsenal is difficult to define as certain at this stage.