Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed some bad news regarding Ben White.
The Englishman is one of the most durable players in the entire squad. He has almost always been available since he joined the club and is extremely reliable.
However, over the international break, reports revealed that White had undergone surgery to overcome a knee injury he had been struggling with.
Now, Arteta has confirmed that White will be out for ‘months’, which is a massive blow.
The former Brighton man’s absence could now open the door for one Hale End graduate to get some opportunities with the first team.
Josh Nichols could get Arsenal first-team chances after Ben White’s injury
White’s injury is a big blow in itself, but what makes it worse is the fact that Takehiro Tomiyasu is currently injured as well.
The Japan international has barely played this season, and Arsenal are now really short of options at right-back – Jurrien Timber is the only natural senior right-back available at the club.
Mikel Arteta has turned to Thomas Partey to play at right full-back and he has done a decent job. But, we all know his best position is in the middle of the park.
So, when Timber needs a break, we think Arteta could give young Josh Nichols an opportunity.
The 18-year-old was a part of Arsenal’s tour of the United States in the summer, and he impressed. He also played against Bolton in the EFL Cup and had a very good game.
Nichols, hailed as a ‘flying full-back’ by Arsenal.com, has a bright future ahead of him, and we think he can step up if given an opportunity in the first team.
Arsenal have a busy schedule coming up and it wouldn’t be wise to force Timber to play all the games. He will need some rest, and that should open the door for young Nichols.
READ MORE: Who is Josh Nichols? Arsenal’s latest Hale End wonderkid who’s just like Ben White
Arsenal have another youngster who could play at right-back
Nichols is probably ahead of the other academy options to fill in at right-back if needed, but there is another player who can do the job as well.
Michal Rosiak is naturally a midfielder, but he has played at right-back on plenty of occasions for Arsenal’s youth sides.
The 19-year-old is yet to get a senior opportunity at Arsenal, but he has shown a lot of promise behind the scenes. He has often trained with the first team as well.
Rosiak is absolutely incredible at free-kicks, and he would offer something different to Arsenal if Arteta calls him up at some point.
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