Injuries arguably cost Arsenal in the Premier League top-four race towards the end of the 2021/22 season and despite the campaign ending over a week ago, things haven't improved too much on that front.
On Monday afternoon it was announced by the England national team that Gunners defender Benjamin White had withdrawn from the squad named by Gareth Southgate for this month's UEFA Nations League triple-header against Hungary, Germany and Italy because of injury.
"Ben White will no longer report for England duty due to injury," a statement read. "The Arsenal defender was named in Gareth Southgate’s 27-man selection last week but will continue his rehabilitation with his club."
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Having missed four of Arsenal's last five Premier League games of the season with a hamstring problem, this may have been a precautionary measure to ensure White has fully recovered in time to take part in the club's pre-season programme which gets underway within the next month.
In addition, there is some concern over White's usual central defensive partner. As reported in Brazil, Gabriel Magalhaes was absent from the Selecao's training session on Tuesday having felt pain in the posterior muscle of his left thigh the day before and subsequently missed the friendly against South Korea on Thursday afternoon (UK time).
This would have been a blow to Gabriel as he was looking forward to finally making his senior Brazil debut during the current international window after being an unused substitute on four previous occasions.
"It's an experience I'm having, I'm very happy to be back here, looking forward to being able to debut with the national team's shirt, prepared, working every day, understanding the concept of the national team's game," he said last week. "Whenever I'm here it's an incredible experience, I'm happy and at the teacher's disposal.
"In terms of positioning. At the club, we work in one way and get here and it's a little different. I'm with the two best defenders, now Militao is also among the best defenders, and with Thiago Silva and Marquinhos I'm learning a lot in terms of positioning, many things. It's important to be here."
Brazil do have further games against Japan and Argentina in the next week, so it remains to be seen what the situation is regarding Gabriel's fitness as ideally, Mikel Arteta will want both of his regular centre-backs to be raring to go for the start of pre-season training.
With that said, there is some good news on the injury front for Arsenal as Kieran Tierney is on course to be back in full training by the end of June after being out of action since the beginning of April.
"It's tough working full days in the gym on your own," he revealed. "But you've got to keep on pushing yourself. There's no point feeling sorry for yourself. I don't look for or expect sympathy from anyone. At the end of the day, I'm lucky to be a footballer — and I never take anything for granted. I'm a nightmare for the physios. I'm always on at them to get me back quicker.
"And I'm a terrible spectator. Not being able to do anything to help the team. I hate it. My target is to be back for the end of June and the start of pre-season at Arsenal. I'm on course for that. My rehab's going well."
