Mikel Arteta has confirmed Ben White faces “many many weeks” out with a knee injury, leaving Arsenal short at the back before Monday’s final Premier League home game against Burnley.
Mikel Arteta delivered mixed injury news when he met the press on Thursday ahead of Arsenal’s final Premier League home game of the season against Burnley on Monday night.
The main concern is Ben White, whose season-ending knee injury was confirmed at the start of the week. White will not require surgery, but Arteta has now made clear that the defender faces a significant spell on the sidelines.
“We have to wait and see,” Arteta said. “It looks like a long-term injury. At the moment, the focus is can we have him back and be available for Arsenal. That’s not going to happen in many, many weeks.”
White’s absence is compounded by the situation with Jurrien Timber, who has been out since mid-March with a groin injury that has not responded as well as expected, leaving him struggling to return before the end of the season.
Asked about Timber, Arteta said, “He’s progressed a little bit in the last few days. We’re going to try to get him fit and available as quickly as possible, but let’s see.
“He’s been out for a while, unfortunately. He’s such an important player for us. We all know that and he’s doing everything he can to help the team in any capacity. We know his leadership, his quality and how much the team needs him.”
Riccardo Calafiori was also taken off against West Ham and remains a doubt for Monday’s game. “We don’t know whether he’s going to be available now. We still have days ahead. Hopefully, it’s nothing serious. We’ll have to wait and see how he reacts.” Arteta said.
As for the rest of the squad, Arteta added, “Not much [of an update] at the moment. We still have a few days till Monday.
“We’ll have to wait and see how certain players evolve and whether they are available or not.”
Mikel Merino is also ruled out but he is now back doing strength and conditioning work.
Burnley, meanwhile, are expected to be without Josh Cullen and Jordan Beyer, with doubts over Hannibal Mejbri and Connor Roberts.
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