By Martin Graham
Arsenal are increasingly uneasy that Ben White may be sidelined for at least a month following the muscle problem he picked up against Wolves.
Medical checks are still ongoing, yet early indications suggest the right-sided defender could be unavailable for between four and six weeks.
White was forced to stop playing midway through the opening half of Saturday’s 2-1 success at Emirates Stadium, leaving the field in the 31st minute.
Myles Lewis-Skelly was introduced to reshuffle the defensive line after the 28-year-old signalled he could not continue.
Following the final whistle, head coach Mikel Arteta confirmed the issue appeared to be related to the hamstring.
Defensive options stretched during busy schedule
White’s potential absence adds further strain to a back line already dealing with several fitness problems as matches arrive in quick succession.
The England international has featured 11 times in all competitions this campaign, making him a regular figure for the league leaders.
Centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes is currently unavailable after suffering an abductor problem while representing Brazil during the most recent international window.
That injury is expected to keep him out until the end of the calendar year, reducing Arteta’s options at the back.
Another defender, Cristhian Mosquera, is also unavailable, with an ankle issue ruling him out until the middle of January 2026.
Upcoming fixtures and partial returns
There was some relief at the weekend as William Saliba and Jurrien Timber returned to central defense after overcoming their own recent physical concerns.
However, Arsenal now faces a demanding run of matches, beginning with a league trip to Everton on Saturday.
That will be followed by a Carabao Cup quarter-final clash away to Crystal Palace on 23 December.
Before the year concludes, Brighton and Aston Villa are both due to visit north London on 27 and 30 December, respectively.
Arteta’s team currently sits two points ahead of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table as this sequence approaches.