Arsenal have been handed an injury boost as Gabriel Magalhaes has shaken off an injury issue to return to the starting lineup, but there is another notable absentee.
Gabriel was withdrawn against Liverpool last week, and missed Arsenal’s EFL Cup clash with Preston North End, but has recovered in time to start against Newcastle.
Ben White was outstanding in a makeshift defence in the Liverpool clash, but he also missed the game in midweek, and only made the bench against Newcastle.
Thomas Partey has been selected at right-back in place of White, which Arsenal fans have expressed their concern about, but Mikel Arteta has revealed why White is not starting at St James’ Park.
Mikel Arteta explains Ben White fitness issue before Arsenal vs Newcastle
Speaking to TNT Sports ahead of the clash, Arteta stated that Gabriel was able to return as he made it through training unscathed, but White was unable to complete a full session.
“Gabriel trained yesterday so he’s fit and available to play,” he stated.
“Ben [White] didn’t make it to start because he only had half a session yesterday so it’s the third time. It’s a little issue so we have to protect him.”
White has made it into the squad as an emergency option, and this is a testament to his incredible fitness and commitment.
Ben White has played through injury against Newcastle before
Arsenal are showing great restraint over throwing White into the lineup, as he has played through injury before, including against Newcastle.
When Arsenal were suffering a crisis at the back in May 2022, they faced one of their biggest games of the season at Newcastle in the battle for a top four spot.
White started the game despite carrying a severe hamstring injury, which former teammate Rob Holding later revealed.
“I remember when we played Newcastle away in the Amazon year (2021-22), he would have had a grade two, grade three injury, like his hamstring was shot to hell, and he went out there and played, because he’s just like this mentality monster,” Holding stated last year.
“I don’t know he does it, it’s mental, he would just like have so much pain, then he will just trigger into game mode and play. He’s die-hard, he’d run through a brick wall for you.”
Arsenal are allowing White to recover fully, and they will hope that Partey can continue to perform well in his absence.
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