Arsenal defender Ben White is “hoping” to be back in the matchday squad for the game against Nottingham Forest this weekend, according to reports.
The Standard claim that the fullback is closing in on a return to full fitness, having missed the last two fixtures against Leeds and Liverpool.
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White started the 1-0 win over Manchester United on the opening day of the season, but he was substituted in the second half, with Jurrien Timber taking his place.
The 27-year-old has not been seen in training since then, with manager Mikel Arteta claiming that the player’s fitness was being assessed day by day.
There is no information on the exact nature of the injury, but White will undergo an assessment by the medical staff over the coming days before a decision is made on his selection for Saturday’s game.
Odegaard has confirmed that he is back to full fitness
Captain Martin Odegaard was forced off with a shoulder injury during the 5-0 win over Leeds last month and he was only on the substitutes bench for the 1-0 defeat to Liverpool.
While the attacking midfielder came on in the second half at Anfield, it was clear that he wasn’t 100% fit. He did, however, start for Norway against Finland in a friendly on Thursday night and he is expected to be in the eleven for their World Cup qualifier against Moldova. Speaking before the match on Tuesday evening, Odegaard said he is no longer in any serious pain:
“It hurt a lot, but now I got it under control and I feel ready. It was never an issue [between Norway and Arsenal]. I talk a lot with (Norway manager) Stale Solbakken. The club obviously wanted me for Liverpool, and my only job was to get ready.”
Arsenal have 5 other injuries
William Saliba, Bukayo Saka, Christian Norgaard, Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz are also on the treatment table. You can read our latest update on their fitness here.
Saliba’s injury looks the most concerning. The Frenchman suffered an ankle injury in the warm-up before the Liverpool fixture and he is not expected to face Forest.
Read more about the Arsenal First Team Squad for 2025/26 here