Mikel Arteta has conceded that Ben White's injury "doesn't look good", with the Arsenal defender's chances of travelling to the World Cup now in serious doubt. White was helped off the pitch during the first half of Arsenal's 1-0 victory over West Ham on Sunday after suffering what appeared to be a knee injury following a tackle on Crysencio Summerville.
Injury concern for Arsenal
The right-back was in obvious discomfort, grimacing as a member of the medical staff assisted him to the sideline. He was later spotted wearing a knee brace as he departed the London Stadium. "We don't know but it doesn't look good at all," Arteta said after the match. "He needs some further testing tomorrow probably and then we will know."
Arteta also revealed that Riccardo Calafiori had picked up an issue during the game. The Italian was replaced at half-time, forcing Arteta to reshuffle his backline twice: first moving Declan Rice to the right side of the back four, then introducing Cristhian Mosquera after Calafiori's withdrawal.
Impact on Arsenal's season
The absence of both defenders would be a major blow to Arteta ahead of the final two Premier League matches and the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain on 30 May. Jurrien Timber, who can play on either side of a back four, is also currently sidelined.
World Cup implications for White
For White, the timing of this setback could not be worse. The 28-year-old was given a shock recall to the England squad in March by manager Thomas Tuchel and had hoped a strong end to the season would secure his place on the plane to North America. Tuchel is due to name his World Cup squad on Friday 22 May, leaving White with little time to prove his fitness.
