Do Not Sell My Personal Information
Ben White has reportedly returned to Arsenal training after missing out on the club’s two most recent pre-season friendlies.
THE LOWDOWN: BATTLE TO STAY FIT
Arsenal’s most recent pre-season outing ended in a 2-0 victory against Everton. Post-match, Mikel Areta spoke on several absentees, with the most notable being Ben White.
The England international took part in the Gunners’ opening pre-season fixture against Ipswich Town, but has since missed out on subsequent games against Nurnberg and Everton.
Arteta had explained that Ben White was battling a muscular problem.
The 24-year-old ended the season with injury issues, missing games against West Ham United and Leeds United before he was dropped to the bench for two of Arsenal’s final three games, before he was then forced to pull out of international duty with England.
THE LATEST: BACK TO ACTION
As per Football.London, White rejoined the Arsenal training group on Tuesday and was put back to his paces. The club’s next pre-season outing against MLS side Orlando City might come too soon for the defender, but he could play some part against Chelsea.
THE VERDICT: MUST BE ON HIS TOES
The return of William Saliba means Ben White and Gabriel Magalhaes must be at their best or risk losing a starting berth to the ambitious Frenchman.
Featuring against Everton, the 21-year-old looked assured in defence and his presence means Arteta might not worry too much if either of his current top-two centre-backs are available for one reason or the other.
On the path of White, he is the one mostly at risk of losing his place in the starting XI and staying fit will not only be his priority but proving he is also worthy of being a starter.
With the World Cup only months away, White will be keen for regular football with Arsenal this season, similar to the 2021/22 campaign. For starters, he needs to get back to 100% fitness and impress in the coming weeks, or things might not happen that way.
