Ben White back in Arsenal pre-season training as Timber continues recovery

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·20 July 2026

Ben White back in Arsenal pre-season training as Timber continues recovery

Arsenal have received a significant boost ahead of the new season after Ben White confirmed he has returned to first-team training following the knee injury that ended his campaign.

The England international missed the closing weeks of Arsenal’s Premier League-winning season after suffering a medial ligament injury in May. As we previously reported, the setback also ruled White out of the Champions League final and ultimately cost him a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the 2026 World Cup.

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However, with the Gunners now back for pre-season, White has revealed his recovery has gone according to plan.

Speaking after Arsenal’s return to training, White said, as quoted by SkySports.

“I’ve been training every day, really. Knee’s all good. Started training back with the team last week.”

The update will come as welcome news for Mikel Arteta, who was forced to cope without one of his most dependable defenders during the final weeks of last season.

White ready as Arsenal step up pre-season preparations

White spent much of the summer continuing his rehabilitation at Arsenal’s training ground before rejoining his teammates last week.

Having already resumed full training, the defender now looks well placed to build his match fitness during pre-season ahead of the new campaign.

His return is particularly timely given Arsenal’s defensive injury concerns during the latter stages of last season, with White’s versatility allowing him to operate both at right-back and in central defence when required.

(Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Timber still working his way back

There was also an update from Jurrien Timber, although the Dutch defender admitted he still has work to do before returning to action.

Timber has been sidelined since March and was forced to miss the World Cup after failing to recover in time, a disappointment he later described as heartbreaking.

While his recovery is progressing, the 25-year-old suggested he is not yet ready to return to full training, saying:

“Getting there slowly. Trying hard. Been rehabbing during the summer, hopefully back soon.”

Although Timber’s return does not appear to be as imminent as White’s, his latest comments suggest he continues to move in the right direction.

With William Saliba’s fitness also being monitored following his own injury concerns at the World Cup, Arteta will hope both White and Timber can continue their recoveries over the coming weeks, strengthening Arsenal’s defensive options ahead of the start of the new season. _____________________________________________________________________________________________ ADMIN COMMENT

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