UMVA has learned that Arsenal’s preparations for the upcoming Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain have been thrown into chaos following a devastating injury to key defender Ben White.
The versatile star was forced from the pitch during the first half of a high-stakes clash against West Ham. Witnesses described a grim scene as White struggled to walk, later captured leaving the stadium with his right knee encased in a protective brace.
Sources have confirmed to UMVA that the defender is suffering from a suspected MCL injury. This setback is expected to sideline him for the remainder of the season, effectively ending his participation in both the domestic title race and the highly anticipated European final.
This development creates an immediate and severe selection crisis for Mikel Arteta. With the final against the reigning champions just weeks away, the manager is scrambling to reorganize a defensive line that has already been stretched thin by ongoing fitness concerns.
The situation is further complicated by the continued absence of Jurrien Timber, who remains unavailable due to a persistent groin issue. Arteta must now decide how to patch a fragile backline that was already forced into multiple tactical shifts during the recent victory at London Stadium.
The squad's defensive depth was tested further when Riccardo Calafiori also exited the match with an injury. While early indications suggest the Italian’s condition is not as severe as White’s, the accumulation of physical blows at this critical juncture of the campaign has sent shockwaves through the club.
