Arsenal star Ben White has been carrying a knee problem for much of the campaign
Arsenal right-back Ben White has been nursing a knee injury for most of the campaign, according to The Athletic.
The 26-year-old has been a revelation for the Gunners from the right-back role, registering two goals and four assists from 39 appearances across all competitions.
He has started in 25 out of the club’s 28 Premier League games and The Athletic now reveal that the Englishman has been carrying a knee problem this season.
This season, Arsenal lost full-back Jurrien Timber on the opening day to an anterior cruciate ligament injury. That has meant White having to play more football than anticipated.
By mid-March, he has already accumulated more than 3,000 minutes in all competitions (including 25 Premier League starts) despite carrying a knee problem for much of the campaign.
When Timber was signed from Ajax last summer, there were questions over White’s position and whether the Dutchman could displace him from the starting line-up.
The Netherlands international started at left-back in the Premier League opener against Nottingham Forest, but he unfortunately picked up a serious knee injury.
Towards the end of the year, Takehiro Tomiyasu was preferred ahead of White for a few games, but the Japanese’s injury blow paved the way for White’s comeback.
White has not looked back since. The former Brighton man has transformed into one of the Premier League’s best performing right-backs over recent months.
He has four goal contributions since the start of February, but has also excelled with his distribution, ball recoveries, ability to win duels as well as overlapping runs.
Oleksandr Zinchenko’s recent injury has also been a blessing in disguise. This has allowed White to invert into midfield occasionally with left-back Jakub Kiwior staying put.
White is currently enjoying the best phase of his career. He recently committed his future to the Gunners with a new long-term contract. He fully deserves his improved deal.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
