Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that English defender Ben White has not been able to train ahead of the Premier League trip to Newcastle United on Saturday following an injury.
The versatile star started and finished the league game against Liverpool at Emirates Stadium last Sunday but was not part of the Arsenal squad that travelled for Preston North End for the Carabao Cup round-of-16 game on Wednesday.
White reportedly missed the trip due to load management, but it appears he has picked up a knock which has prevented him from training.
Arteta says it is in good news on Gabriel.
“If he can complete that training session today, he will be in the squad.”
On Calafiori & Odegaard: “Ricky and Martin are out definitely.”
On Ben White: “With Ben we don’t know yet. He hasn’t trained yet, he could not get involved.”
— Simon Collings (@sr_collings) November 1, 2024
While Gabriel Magalhaes and Jurrien Timber were withdrawn against the Reds due to knocks, the Netherlands international was fit to play during the week while his Brazilian counterpart could be fit to travel tomorrow.
However, the Gunners are expected to be without White in a fresh blow. Riccardo Calafiori remains out while the trip to Tyneside could come too early for Norwegian midfielder Martin Odegaard.
Nevertheless, the Arsenal captain could be ready to travel to Italy to face Inter Milan next week, and he will most likely be fit to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge next Sunday should he miss the Champions League game against the Serie A club.
William Saliba and Gabriel will be expected to play at centre-back against Newcastle if the Brazilian is fit enough to play, and Thomas Partey or Timber could feature at right-back.
