Arsenal handed Ben White injury blow as Mikel Arteta 'stuns' with shock solution | OneFootball

Gunners could have a real problem in one depleted position as Champions League final looms

White continued to start at right-back for the Gunners in Sunday’s crunch Premier League clash at the London Stadium, but limped off after only 28 minutes.

The England international appeared to hurt his knee during a challenge with Hammers winger Crysencio Summerville and received treatment, but was unable to continue despite initially trying to play on.

White hobbled off with the help of an Arsenal physio and went straight down the tunnel, with manager Mikel Arteta’s choice of replacement causing plenty of surprise.

Rather than send for versatile defender Cristhian Mosquera as most expected, he instead opted to switch Declan Rice to right-back and introduce Martin Zubimendi into midfield, where he partnered Myles Lewis-Skelly, who is usually a left-back but has impressed in a new role during recent games.

It was a decision that “stunned” Sky Sports’ co-commentator Gary Neville, who said: “To take Declan Rice out of the middle of the pitch is a big call.

“One of the guests in the studio thinks anyone can play at right-back, so now we'll find out. If I was Nuno and West Ham I'd be lifted right now, I would be just naturally."

Injury concern: Ben White limped off in the first half for Arsenal against West Ham

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He added: “I have just been told there is no evidence Myles Lewis-Skelly has ever played right-back. But to take Declan Rice out of the middle of the pitch is a big call.

White’s injury will be a real concern for Arsenal as they continue to fight with Manchester City for the Premier League title and also prepare for their Champions League final meeting with holders Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest on May 30.

The 28-year-old had himself been deputising for Jurrien Timber, who has not played since going off with an ankle injury during the first half of the 2-0 home win over Everton on March 14.

Arteta said on Friday that Timber - along with midfielder Mikel Merino, who is working his way back from foot surgery - had “no chance” of playing against West Ham and that “everything has to be so smooth and quick” for either player to return in the final weeks of the season.

On the Dutch defender missing more time than initially expected, Arteta added: “That's been probably the most difficult thing to manage with the player, with myself as well.

“We didn't expect it to take so long, and at the moment, he's not fit to play.”

White - who has a great partnership with Bukayo Saka down Arsenal’s right flank - will also hope that his injury does not impact upon a potential place at this summer’s World Cup finals under Thomas Tuchel, having only ended a four-year exile from England duty in March.