Before Arsenal’s game against Leeds United on Saturday kicked off, Ben White was spotted leaving the warmup and going down the tunnel with the physio. After the game, Mikel Arteta confirmed the defender has been carrying a bit of a problem.

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 01: Ben White of Arsenal celebrates after scoring the team's second goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Leeds United at Emirates Stadium on April 01, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 01: Ben White of Arsenal celebrates after scoring the team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Leeds United at Emirates Stadium on April 01, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

We all feared the worst when we heard that Ben White had left the warm-up early on Saturday.

With Takehiro Tomiyasu out of action for the rest of the season and William Saliba also sidelined for an indefinite period of time, it did not seem to be good news.

Thankfully, White not only started but got on the score sheet with his second goal for the club,

After the game, Mikel Arteta confirmed that White has been carrying a problem.

“He had some issues as well in the last few days but he’s a big fighter and he wanted to be here,” Arteta told reporters.

“Obviously with the injury of Tomi we are short in that position and he scored a goal as well, which is good news for him and he was very good again.

The boss was also asked about reports that a bug was running through the squad, with Bukayo Saka only well enough to start on the bench after returning from international duty.

“It was an issue that we had with some of the international players and players we had here but it happens,” Arteta said.

“It was part of the context of the game and we used it in the right way. Players are so willing to step up and play in any context, which is great.”