Why Ben White was missing from Arsenal vs Fulham as latest absence explained after injury troubles

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Arsenal prepared to face Fulham in their first Premier League clash following the international break.

Riccardo Calafiori is set for a spell on the side lines after injuring his knee whilst playing for Italy in their UEFA Nations League clash with Germany.

Bukayo Saka was back in the Arsenal matchday squad for the first time since December 2024 following a hamstring injury and before the game Martin Odegaard sent a heartfelt message to Emile Smith Rowe on his return to the club.

However, supporters will have noticed that Ben White was absent from the Arsenal squad against Fulham and it has now been revealed the reason behind that following the defender’s recent return from knee surgery.

READ MORE: Myles Lewis-Skelly ends Arsenal position debate despite Declan Rice’s interesting prediction

Mikel Arteta reveals why Ben White misses Fulham clash

Speaking ahead of the Premier League clash with Fulham, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta revealed why White was not involved in the matchday squad.

As per Arsenal’s official X account, Arteta explained: “He had a little niggle two days ago. Yesterday we tried, he wasn’t feeling right, so we decided not to put him in the squad today.”

The England international made his return from a long term absence in the 1-0 home defeat to West Ham at the Emirates Stadium at the end of February and made his first start against PSV Eindhoven.

White and everyone associated with Arsenal will now be hoping that the injury is not a serious one and he can return to the squad as soon as possible.

White would be a big miss for Real Madrid tie

It throws doubt into White will now be available for the Gunners Champions League quarter final tie against Real Madrid.

Arteta would have been considering his full back options intently for the clash with the pace of Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo big weapon for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

White admitted to fearing Vinicius Jr but his ability to defend one v one and drag his opponents back the other way with his penetrative, forward runs would have been an option to intrigue Arteta.

The experience of White may also give him the nod over Myles Lewis-Skelly in such a crunch fixture with Jurrien Timber more than capable of playing at left back.