Right now, Arsenal fans will still be reeling from the news that Ben White has been playing through a knee injury that now requires a procedure.
White underwent a minor procedure on his knee, one that could still see the Arsenal defender missing for an extended period.
Perhaps that could open the door for either Jurrien Timber or Takehiro Tomiyasu to play regularly on the right, depending on the latter getting fit.
A fully fit Tomiyasu is arguably just as good as White on the right, but it feels like such a long time since the Japan international was firing on all cylinders.
Ben White admits Takehiro Tomiyasu has methods he’s never seen before
Injury talk aside, White has taken a second in a recent interview to praise both Tomiyasu and his captain Martin Odegaard.
White was reflecting on what he’s learnt from some of his Arsenal teammates and admitted that he actually looks up to Tomiyasu, which could be good news given the injury set-back mentioned.
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White said: “You try to take bits and pieces from lots of different players when you start out, but really I’m still doing that now.
“There are a few players in our squad that I look up to. Tomiyasu for example – he does some crazy things!
“The exercises and things that he does in preparation are just so different to what I’ve known before in football.
“Also Martin Odegaard is a great example in how he trains. He’s always getting massages, having a cold bath and making the most of things like that.
“His preparation and professionalism is amazing.”
When will Ben White return from his knee injury?
Right now it’s unclear when White will be ready to return for Arsenal.
Some reports expect that it will be around six to eight weeks before the defender is ready for games, whereas others are pointing to the idea of White playing through the pain barrier again.
In summary, it’s all rumours right now until the club or Mikel Arteta provide a definitive update.
Either way, Arsenal will need others to step up, and it really is time for Tomiyasu to prove the club right for all of their patience.
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