Arsenal’s Injury Roulette: White Exits, Saliba Steps In, and Arteta Bets on a Risky Defense

Injury Update and Context

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta revealed that Ben White left the field in the 30th minute against Wolves due to a hamstring issue after a demanding series of appearances. The diagnosis remains unclear as the club awaits further assessment.

White had started four times in just ten days, including his first Premier League appearance in 109 days against Brentford, and accumulated 292 minutes during that spell, a notable surge that raised questions about workload and rotation.

Previously, White endured a similar pattern when teammates like Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jurrien Timber faced injuries, a stretch that once again underscored the fragility of defensive depth for Arsenal, culminating in a knee surgery in November 2024 for a different concern.

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Asked if the minutes spike represented a return to a problematic cycle, Arteta explained in the postmatch press conference that White avoided a heavy load earlier but had to be relied upon due to limited alternatives. He also admitted that Saliba was pushed to start 90 minutes, acknowledging that buying a future injury by overextending players was a regrettable but necessary risk given the circumstances.

Saliba, who had missed four matches with an ankle issue, started the match after minimal training the day before, highlighting the squad’s tactical improvisation under pressure.

With White out, Arteta reshaped the defense, deploying Jurriën Timber at right-back and Saliba alongside Piero Hincapié as center-backs, while Miles Lewis-Skelly occupied the left-back position.

Kalafiore is expected to return from suspension, potentially offering more options on the left flank as Arsenal prepare to face Everton on December 20.