Why Ben White was absent from the Arsenal squad against Preston, and when he can return

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Arsenal were in action against Preston North End in the EFL Cup, but there was a notable absentee from the matchday squad.

Jurrien Timber recovered after being forced off in Arsenal’s draw with Liverpool, with the Dutchman in the starting lineup, but Gabriel Magalhaes did not make the trip after he was also withdrawn at the weekend.

Mikel Arteta made several changes to his lineup, which saw Ethan Nwaneri and Jorginho come into midfield with Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard dropping out, whilst Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus replaced Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz.

Ben White also missed the trip, despite playing 90 minutes against Liverpool, and the reason for his absence has now been confirmed.

• READ MORE: Everything to know on Arsenal’s Ben White from his wife to tattoos

Why Ben White is absent from Arsenal squad vs Preston

Speaking ahead of the game, Arteta revealed that White was struggling after the Liverpool draw, and had to be rested for overloading reasons.

“He was struggling at the end of the match so he wasn’t available for tonight’s game,’ Arteta stated of White.

William Saliba missed the clash with Liverpool after his red card against Bournemouth, and he has replaced White as a fresh pair of legs for the clash with Preston.

With Gabriel’s recovery time still unknown, it is paramount that White and Saliba stay fit ahead of a tough fixture schedule, with three away games before the international break.

When Ben White can return for Arsenal

White looks set to return straight to the lineup for Arsenal’s trip to Newcastle United on Saturday.

His absence was seemingly a simple case of resting him, as White struggled with an injury earlier on in the campaign, and there are other absences in the back line.

Arteta was right not to risk White against Preston, with Timber starting alongside Saliba and Jakub Kiwior, and he will hope the Englishman can continue to display exceptional levels of availability over the course of the season.

White was exceptional against Liverpool in Saliba’s absence and is one of the most underrated players in the Arsenal squad. Arteta will be glad that he can come into the Newcastle game fully fresh after resting against Preston.