MIKEL ARTETA is contemplating throwing Ben White straight again into the Arsenal squad – simply days after returning to full coaching following a knee operation.
The Gunners have been in Dubai since Thursday morning for a mid-season winter break – flying again to London on Tuesday forward of their Prem conflict at Leicester on Saturday.
3
3
3
One of many standout names within the travelling group out within the Center East is right-back White, 27 – who has not performed since November 10.
The versatile defender underwent knee surgical procedure, having performed by way of the ache for weeks, with fears he might be out for 5 – 6 months – however is now in competition to characteristic after three months of rehab.
Arsenal’s medics predicted a speedy restoration from White, whose damage report has been exemplary since becoming a member of the membership from Brighton in the summertime of 2021 for £50million.
They usually have been confirmed proper with White forward of schedule and again in full coaching with the primary group in a well timed increase for the North Londoners.
Full-back is a place that Arteta has loads of choices in with the likes of Riccardo Calafiori, Jurrien Timber, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Kieran Tierney to select from.
In consequence, the Arsenal boss won’t take any pointless dangers – however is eager to get White again on the bench to face the Foxes on the King Energy Stadium.
Winger Bukayo Saka can also be out in Dubai with the squad, however has not been concerned in coaching, as an alternative persevering with his rehab from hamstring surgical procedure underwent simply earlier than Christmas.
The England star is due again at first of March, with Arsenal focusing on the Champions League Final 16 first leg on both March 4 or 5 – or their journey to Outdated Trafford to face Manchester United within the Prem on March 9.
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS
However the damage points proceed to pile up for Arteta with Gabriel Martinelli doubtlessly out for a month with a hamstring concern.
The Brazilian hobbled off within the first half of their 2-0 Carabao Cup semi-final second leg defeat away at Newcastle on Wednesday.
There are hopes that Martinelli – who has additionally flown out to Dubai – can defy that timeline and get again sooner forward of the ultimate run-in to the top of the season.
Martinelli joins Saka and striker Gabriel Jesus within the medical room – the latter out for the remainder of 2025 following an operation on an ACL rupture final month.
Arteta’s match attacking choices embody Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard, Raheem Sterling and 17-year-old academy product Ethan Nwaneri.
