Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has suggested that Ben White is touch-and-go to make the squad for the game against Leeds.

The defender has missed training this week, and asked about the defender’s fitness (along with Christian Norgaard’s) in his pre-match press conference, Arteta replied:

“Christian won’t be in the squad, with Ben, let’s see.”

White started the 1-0 win over Manchester United last Sunday, but he came off the pitch on 71 minutes with Jurrien Timber taking his place.

The Arsenal defender has had a difficult 12 months with injuries

White was forced to undergo surgery on his knee in November last year, and he spent the best part of three months on the treatment table before making his comeback in February.

The 27-year-old was unable to get his place back in the lineup on his return to action, and he picked up a couple of other knocks before starting the final four league games last season.

At the moment, it is not known whether White’s latest setback is related to the knee issues he suffered during the 2024/25 season or not.

Timber is set to come back into the starting XI

Of course, Arteta does have a perfect replacement for White, but it should be pointed out that the Netherlands international has had his own fitness problems in recent months.

Timber underwent an operation on his ankle in May and he was sidelined for the majority of pre-season as he continued his recovery. The 24-year-old played the last two friendlies against Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao, although he only started the latter fixture.

It means that the Dutchman’s minutes do need to be managed, but that may be easier said than done if White is ruled out of contention for any length of time.

Read more about the Arsenal First Team Squad for 2025/26 here