Mikel Arteta is pleased that Ben White is available for Arsenal again. The defender has come on as a substitute three times in recent weeks, and it's only a matter of time before he starts in the lineup again. For Jurriën Timber, this means he now has a strong competitor for his position.
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Ben White suffered an injury in early November while playing for Arsenal, forcing him to miss 21 matches across all competitions.
His absence was deeply felt by Mikel Arteta’s side, as the English defender had established himself as a key component of Arsenal’s tactical setup. Now, after months of recovery and gradual reintegration into the squad, White is steadily rebuilding his playing time. His return comes at a crucial moment for the club, with Arsenal preparing for a high-stakes Champions League clash against PSV, a match that could determine their European ambitions.
White’s importance to Arsenal extends beyond his defensive abilities. His chemistry with Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard on the right side provided Arteta’s team with a dynamic attacking outlet. His overlapping runs, composure on the ball, and ability to slot into midfield when needed allowed Arsenal to dominate possession and control the tempo of matches. Arteta emphasized this impact in his pre-match press conference, reflecting on what the team had lost during White’s absence.
“The connection we had on the right side with him, Bukayo (Saka), and Martin (Ødegaard) was something exceptional,” Arteta said. “That was a real threat to any opponent, and we certainly missed it. But it's also true that Jurriën (Timber) has done exceptionally well. His performances have been very consistent. Now we have another strong option, and that’s fantastic.”
White’s return, however, is being carefully managed. Having been sidelined for over three months, Arsenal’s medical staff are closely monitoring his workload to prevent any recurrence of the injury. Arteta acknowledged this cautious approach, stressing that while White is nearing full match fitness, the club does not want to rush him back too quickly.
“I think we need to manage him carefully because he still had some issues with workload management,” Arteta explained. “So we are being very careful to ensure he doesn’t suffer any setbacks. I think he is now fit enough to start.”
Arsenal’s defensive depth has been tested this season, with injuries forcing Arteta to rotate his backline frequently. Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jakub Kiwior have both been deployed in White’s position at times, while the emergence of Jurriën Timber has provided further competition. Timber, who joined from Ajax last summer, has impressed with his versatility and composure, seamlessly fitting into Arsenal’s defensive structure. While White’s return strengthens Arteta’s options, it also raises questions about how Arsenal’s defense will be structured moving forward.
The match against PSV, scheduled for Wednesday night at 21:00, is set to be one of the most decisive fixtures of Arsenal’s season. With qualification to the next round of the Champions League at stake, Arteta will need to carefully balance experience with tactical flexibility. White’s potential inclusion in the starting lineup would not only provide Arsenal with defensive stability but also restore an attacking dynamic that had been missing during his absence.
Arsenal will also have to contend with a PSV side that has been in strong form. The Dutch champions, led by manager Peter Bosz, have posed challenges to top teams this season and will look to exploit any defensive vulnerabilities Arsenal may show. With White’s return, Arsenal will hope to neutralize PSV’s attacking threats and assert control over the game.
Beyond the immediate impact on the Champions League campaign, White’s reintegration into the squad also has long-term implications for Arsenal’s domestic ambitions. The Gunners are still in contention for the Premier League title, and having key players fit for the decisive months of the season will be essential. Arteta now faces the challenge of rotating his squad effectively while maintaining momentum in multiple competitions.
As White edges closer to full fitness, the competition for places within Arsenal’s defense intensifies. Timber’s performances have ensured that White will not walk straight back into the starting lineup without a challenge, while Tomiyasu and Kiwior remain viable options. This level of competition is exactly what Arteta wants a squad where no position is guaranteed, and every player must fight for their place.
With PSV standing between Arsenal and a potential quarter-final spot, all eyes will be on how Arteta sets up his defense. Whether White starts or comes off the bench, his presence alone is a major boost for Arsenal as they prepare for one of their biggest nights of the season.
