Arsenal defender Ben White has confirmed that he has recovered from a knee injury picked up against West Ham United in the Premier League last term.
The England international sustained the setback at the London Stadium back in May, and it contributed to him missing out on Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad.
White was initially anticipated to be fit by August, but judging by his comments, he is well ahead of schedule and could be ready for the pre-season friendlies.
Speaking to Arsenal’s media, the versatile defender said that he has been training back with the team over the past week and his knee is completely fine.
He said: “I’ve been training every day, really. Knee’s all good. Started training back with the team last week.”
White could stay with Arsenal this summer
The Gunners recently suffered an untimely setback as William Saliba sustained a back injury on World Cup duty for France against Spain in the semi-final.
The 25-year-old centre-back subsequently missed the third-place play-off against England. He could now be ruled out for several months due to the unfortunate blow.
Arsenal have sought to land Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa as possible cover, but Villa’s £60 million valuation could prove a big stumbling block in landing him.
Free agent and former Manchester City centre-back John Stones has emerged as another possible solution, and a contract offer could be made soon.
It has been claimed that White is ‘expected‘ to leave the Gunners, but Saliba’s injury combined with Jurrien Timber being unfit could see him stay put.
Timber was ruled out for the World Cup with the Netherlands due to a nagging groin issue, and he has today revealed that he is still under rehabilitation.
Hence, it does not make sense to consider White’s exit despite his recent injury record. Arsenal could keep him next season before making a final decision.
White, who has primarily played as a right-back at Arsenal, has a contract until June 2028.