Ben White
ARS
Right Back
Overlapping Full Back
Oct 8, 1997 (28)
Right
6'1"
168 lb
Expected available vs Leeds
White has returned to training and is expected to be available for Saturday's match against Leeds, as the defender has been working his way back from a groin injury and now appears on track to rejoin the squad following the international break, according to The Standard.
Analysis: White's expected return would put him back in the mix after his groin issue, though he may need some time to rebuild his workload before pushing for significant minutes. His versatility gives Arsenal another high-level option across the back line, with right back his most likely path to playing time. Jurrien Timber remains the primary competition for that spot, leaving White with a battle for minutes once he's fully up to speed.
Returns to training
White (groin) was present in Arsenal's practice Saturday after making progress in his recovery from a small injury, Nathan Ridley of the Mirror reports.
Analysis: White's return to training is an encouraging step after his groin problem, though it doesn't confirm that he's ready to return to match action, as his workload will likely need to build before he's back in contention. A full comeback would give Arsenal a stellar defensive option, with the versatile player recently proving helpful at right-back and likely challenging Jurrien Timber for that spot.
Injury forces international absence
White (groin) was not considered for England's Nations League games during the international break, with coach Thomas Tuchel commenting that "Ben pulled out with an injury, he had a fantastic start to the season and was back to his very best on the side as a pair with Bukayo Saka which could be very valuable for us to have two payers on the side," per Amie Wilson of Football London.
Analysis: White could reach one month on the sidelines despite being expected to play in the recent league clash with Brighton, but he remains unlikely to face a lengthy injury period. He started in five consecutive EPL of UCL matches before getting hurt, delivering one assist from a right-back position in that period. Jurrien Timber should continue to feature in that spot if White is forced to miss more time after the break.
Misses call Saturday
White (groin) is ruled out for Saturday's clash against Brighton.
Analysis: White has been unable to earn a place in the matchday squad despite coach Mikel Arteta confirming he was all good and expressing positivity ahead of the final training session following the groin issue that had kept him out of the recent Carabao Cup match against Ipswich Town. The club ultimately decided against including him for the Brighton fixture despite the encouraging update, leaving Jurrien Timber as the leading option at right back. His availability for the coming fixtures will be monitored closely after the international break, with Arteta having expressed confidence that his recovery was progressing well.
Should be available against Brighton
White (groin) is fit and should be available for Saturday's clash against Brighton, according to coach Mikel Arteta. "Ben is all good, we have another training session this afternoon, so very positive about everybody."
Analysis: White had missed the recent Carabao Cup match against Ipswich Town due to a groin issue picked up against Sunderland, an absence that had raised doubt about his availability given he had not been spotted in training beforehand. His likely availability now eases that concern, positioning him to reclaim his spot at right back for Arsenal. White will however need to compete for the role with Jurrien Timber who is also back from injury.
Out for EFL Cup tie
White (groin) isn't in the squad for Tuesday's EFL Cup match against Ipswich Town.
Analysis: White picked up a groin issue against Sunderland last Saturday, and given the quick turnaround on this cup tie, it's not surprising to see him sidelined. White should be considered doubtful to play Saturday against Brighton in the Premier League, especially after he wasn't spotted in training Monday. No timetable has been announced for his return to action.
Not spotted in training Monday
White (groin) wasn't spotted in Monday's training session and should be considered doubtful for Tuesday's EFL Cup match against Ipswich Town.
Analysis: White suffered a groin injury in the win over Sunderland on Saturday, and given the quick turnaround, it wouldn't be surprising if the defender ends up being sidelined for this contest. If that's the case, Jurrien Timber would be in line to see more minutes on the right side of the defense, with Cristhian Mosquera (hamstring) another option when fit.
Suffers apparent groin injury
White suffered an apparent groin injury in Saturday's 2-0 win over Sunderland, according to Jake Stokes of Football.London.
Analysis: White was seen holding his groin area toward the end of the first half and was subbed off during the break, with Jurrien Timber taking his place. Further tests will be needed to determine whether White will miss time, but if so, Timber should be the beneficiary at right-back, with Christian Mosquera (hamstring) another option when healthy.
Fully fit for Sunderland clash
White is fully fit and available for Saturday's clash against Sunderland, according to coach Mikel Arteta. "He's fine."
Analysis: White was spotted limping off in Tuesday's 1-0 Champions League win over Napoli after creating three chances during the match, a scare that comes after three consecutive full matches at right back for Arsenal, including a strong defensive showing against Chelsea. His confirmed availability now eases any concern from that limp, positioning him to continue as manager Arteta's dependable option on the right side of defense until Jurrien Timber (groin) returns to full speed.
Delivers four crosses
White generated four crosses (zero accurate) and two tackles in Sunday's 2-1 win against Chelsea.
Analysis: White registered four crosses, four clearances and one tackle won across his 90 minutes in Sunday's 2-1 win over Chelsea, completing his third consecutive full match of the Premier League season as Arsenal's right-back and contributing consistent defensive discipline against Chelsea's left-sided threat throughout the match. His consistent availability and reliability from right-back give manager Mikel Arteta a dependable option on the right side of the defensive structure.
Assists Friday
White assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal), three crosses (zero accurate) and two chances created in Friday's 3-0 win versus Coventry City.
Analysis: White kicked off his campaign with an assist from right-back. The defender tends to be more defensively-minded even as a full-back, but with this brilliant team any chance he creates has a good chance of being finished. White will have upside whenever he's in the starting XI, with excellent clean sheet chances as well.
Assists in return to action
White (knee) played 61 minutes and recorded an assist in Saturday's friendly game versus Girona.
Analysis: White has regained full health ahead of the 2026/27 season and could finally be an option if he avoids further injuries in upcoming weeks. The versatile player will likely compete for the right-back role with Jurrien Timber (ankle) and Cristhian Mosquera if there are no major roster changes in that position. Last season, White tallied 22 tackles, 21 interceptions and 47 clearances across 26 appearances between league, FA Cup and UCL action, but he was directly involved in just two goals, so the offseason assist could be an interesting sign for his attacking upside.
Back on pitch with teammates
White (knee) is back in training on the pitch with his teammates during preseason to build his fitness, the club posted.
Analysis: White had suffered MCL damage that ended his previous season early and also cost him a spot at the World Cup, an injury that was initially described as a long term issue by coach Mikel Arteta. He finished last season with one assist and three clean sheets across 12 appearances, including nine starts, and his return to group training marks a positive step in his buildup as Arsenal continues its preseason preparations.
Set to return for preseason
White said his knee is feeling good and that he began training again last week as he continues his recovery ahead of Arsenal's preseason, the club announced.
Analysis: White suffered MCL damage that ended his season early and also cost him a spot at the World Cup, a setback coach Mikel Arteta had described as a long term issue at the time. He is reported to have made good progress in his recovery and appears confident heading into the buildup for the new campaign. The defender closed out last season with one assist and three clean sheets across 12 appearances, including nine starts. White is expected to be gradually reintegrated into full training as Arsenal's preseason continues.
Done for season
White suffered MCL damage in his knee and will miss the rest of the season, while also being unlikely for the World Cup, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic.
Analysis: White is going to miss the rest of the season, as many thought after he went down with a knee injury against West Ham, suffering from MCL damage. Unfortunately for the England international, this will also likely end his World Cup hopes, as a timeline for his recovery will likely take at least a month or two depedning on the damage and which recovery steps are taken. Jurrien Timber (ankle) is still working on a return of his own, so Cristhian Mosquera is a possible option to take duties at right-back. White ends his season with one assist and three clean sheets in 12 appearances (nine starts).
Suffers knee injury
White was forced off the field in the 28th minute of Saturday's match against West Ham due to an apparent knee injury.
Analysis: White would go down in the first half Sunday and was immediately unable to continue, suffering what appears to be a somewhat serious knee injury. Unfortunately for the defender, this is likely to end his season, as with only a few weeks left, a knee injury is likely to take that amount of time to recover from, and possibly even some more time into the summer for a full-back who has dealt with injury issues in the past. Jurrien Timber is still working on a return from an ankle injury, so Cristhian Mosquera is the likely replacement at right-back moving forward if White does indeed remain out.
Busy from right-back
White generated one shot (zero on goal), three crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Tuesday's 1-0 victory versus Atletico Madrid.
Analysis: White was excellent on both sides of the ball Tuesday. He didn't get involved with the goal, but he created a chance and took a shot while also sending in three crosses. He's an excellent option on both sides of the ball, but White tends to be more comfortable in his defensive duties, which suits the Arsenal gameplan perfectly.
Finds bench
White (undisclosed) is on the bench for Wednesday's match against Leverkusen.
Analysis: White has returned to the team sheet and is an option again, ending a four-game absence due to an injury. He should return to more of a rotational role moving forward, serving as a backup right-back for Jurrien Timber.
Remains out Saturday
White (knock) remains out for Saturday's FA Cup clash against Mansfield.
Analysis: White remains out for Saturday's FA Cup clash against Mansfield as he continues to deal with the knock that sidelined him for the last three games. The defender is still working toward full fitness and no timeline to return has been given for the Englishman. His absence doesn't have a big impact on the starting XI since he should remain the backup to Jurrien Timber when fit, although it is the young Marli Salmon starting Saturday against Mansfield.
Out again
White (undisclosed) is out for Sunday's match against Chelsea.
Analysis: White is not with the team Sunday as he entered the game looking to be more of a doubt than questionable, missing a second straight match. This is a loss of depth on the right of the defense for another match, with juries Timber continuing in his starting role.
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare