Arsenal Star's Season Over, World Cup in Doubt

Ben White's campaign with Arsenal is finished, and his participation in this summer's World Cup is now seriously uncertain. The 28-year-old defender was forced off during the first half of Sunday's 1-0 win over West Ham after a collision with winger Crysencio Summerville, leaving the London Stadium in a knee brace.

A report from The Sun indicates that White is suspected to have damaged the medial collateral ligament in his knee. The injury not only rules him out of the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain but also casts significant doubt on his availability for England's squad in the United States.

White had started all of Arsenal's last five matches, including both legs of the Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid. His versatility and recent form had made him a strong candidate for a place in Thomas Tuchel's England setup, a prospect now thrown into question.

Defensive Crisis for Arteta

Mikel Arteta now faces a major selection headache. First-choice right-back Jurrien Timber has been absent since mid-March with an ankle problem, and his return before the season's end is far from certain. Summer signing Christian Mosquera appears the most likely option to start the final in Budapest, though Arteta briefly deployed Declan Rice at full-back against West Ham.

White's history of knee issues adds further concern. The defender, who has struggled with the joint in recent years, had only recently returned to the England fold after his surprise departure from the 2022 World Cup squad. His comeback was met with jeers from some England fans, even as he scored on his first game back.

The timing of the injury is particularly cruel. White's strong performances had made his inclusion in Tuchel's plans seem increasingly likely, but the suspected MCL injury now puts that opportunity at serious risk.