Mikel Arteta reveals significant Ben White update amid potential return vs West Ham

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has issued an injury update ahead of this weekend’s clash with West Ham United at the King Power Stadium.

The Gunners are severely depleted in forward areas, with Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli all out with various issues.

Meanwhile, Takehiro Tomiyasu underwent surgery this week and will miss the rest of the season.

With Arteta’s squad threadbare, the Spaniard will have to make do and mend with what he has again, with Mikel Merino expected to start up front.

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Arsenal injury update for West Ham clash

Saka has returned to training after his hamstring injury, with a return to the pitch understood to be in sight for the winger.

Meanwhile, Ben White was in Arsenal’s squad for the game against Leicester last weekend, and could be in contention to start against the Hammers.

Speaking in his press conference on Friday afternoon, Arteta provided a general injury update on his squad.

He said: “The ones that are long-term remain unavailable, and the rest there is no other news.”

While coy on these injury issues, the tactician did confirm that White is in contention to play after his extended spell out.

“He is ready to play, whether or not he is ready to start is a decision we’ll make tomorrow. But he’s certainly available now to be a part of the group.”

He added, on Saka: “He did go [on holiday]. It’s up to him to tell you where he went.”

West Ham injury updates and status

With West Ham set to travel north to the Emirates to face title contenders Arsenal, there are some fitness concerns facing Graham Potter.

Lucas Paqueta has been ruled out with an ankle injury, with the Brazilian’s absence a potentially detrimental loss for the Irons.

Meanwhile, Michail Antonio is out for the season after being involved in a car accident.

Crysencio Summerville, Niclas Fullkrug and Vladamir Coufal are suffering from thigh injuries, with all three players expected to be unavailable for the encounter with the Gunners.

Potter’s side have been in poor form since the former Chelsea boss took over, winning just one of his six games in charge, so Arsenal ought to have too much for the East London outfit.