Arsenal right-back Ben White has been diagnosed with a serious knee injury and will be absent for the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, scheduled for May 30 at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, Hungary. The severity of the injury also puts his participation in the World Cup with England at risk.
White was forced off the pitch in the first half of Arsenal’s victory over West Ham last Sunday at the London Stadium in the Premier League.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Arsenal confirmed that the player “suffered a significant injury to the medial collateral ligament” of his right knee, “which will keep him sidelined for the remainder of the season.” Although no recovery timeline was given, the news has raised concerns for England manager Thomas Tuchel.
With six international caps, White is a key option at right-back for his national team. During the March international break, he started in both friendlies against Uruguay and Japan, even scoring against the South Americans.
Beyond missing the European final for Arsenal, White will also be unavailable for the closing stages of the Premier League. Arsenal currently lead the standings with 79 points, ahead of Manchester City (74 points) with two games remaining, though City have a game in hand.
Before the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal face Burnley on Saturday, May 18, and Crystal Palace on May 24.
