Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that Ben White was struggling with an injury problem before the 4-1 win against Leeds United. The Gunners defender ended his pre-match warm-up earlier than his team-mates but went on to complete the full 90 minutes, scoring a crucial goal in the game just minutes into the second-half.
White remains the only natural right-back in Arteta's squad following Takehiro Tomiyasu's injury which has ruled him out of action for the remainder of the season. The Japanese defender has undergone successful surgery and will not feature again for Arsenal until next term.
An injury to White would be a major setback for the north Londoners, despite Bukayo Saka and Thomas Partey being able to provide cover in that role when required. Arteta's squad faced a number of problems before they secured all three points against Leeds and gave the perfect response to Manchester City's win against Liverpool in the early kick-off.
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Arsenal maintained their eight-point lead at the top of the table, but they nearly had to do it without White in the squad following an injury concern this week. Speaking after the win, Arteta said: "He [White] had some issues in the last few days but he’s a big fighter and he wanted to be here.
"With the injury of Tomiyasu, we are a bit short in that position. He scored a goal as well which is good news for him and he was very good again."
Cedric Soares was loaned out to Fulham in the January transfer window whilst Tomiyasu has now suffered a season-ending injury, meaning White must stay fit in order for Arteta to field his preferred team week-in week-out. Bukayo Saka was left out of the starting XI after he had struggled with illness this week but was brought on in the 60th minute to maintain his match sharpness.
William Saliba is another player remains sidelined through injury with Arteta refusing to place a timeline on his return. The Frenchman suffered a back injury earlier this month but the Arsenal boss is hopeful that he will play again this season, with Rob Holding deputising alongside Gabriel Magalhaes in his absence.
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