Arsenal’s Ben White injured, to miss UCL final

Ben White is set to miss Arsenal’s upcoming UEFA Champions League Final clash against Paris Saint-Germain after reportedly suffering a serious knee injury during Sunday’s Premier League victory over West Ham United. 

The defender’s setback also places his participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in major doubt ahead of the summer tournament.

According to reports from England, White sustained a suspected medial collateral ligament injury following a collision with West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville during the first half at the London Stadium. 

The 28-year-old was later seen leaving the stadium wearing a knee brace, sparking immediate concerns over the severity of the issue.

The injury leaves Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta facing a defensive crisis ahead of the final in Budapest. 

Fellow right-back Jurrien Timber remains sidelined with an ankle injury that has kept him out since March, meaning Arsenal may be forced to rely on emergency solutions for one of the biggest matches in the club’s history.

Arteta reportedly experimented with Declan Rice in a temporary full-back role during the match against West Ham, although summer signing Cristhian Mosquera is considered the most natural replacement. 

White’s absence is viewed as a major blow given his importance to Arsenal’s campaign, having made 30 appearances this season despite previously struggling with knee problems.

The injury could also create a major selection problem for Thomas Tuchel and the England national football team ahead of the World Cup in the United States. 

White had recently re-established himself in the England squad after returning to international duty earlier this year, even scoring in a friendly against Uruguay before featuring again against Japan.

England are scheduled to begin their World Cup campaign against the Croatian national football team on June 17, but White now faces a race against time to recover. 

Meanwhile, Arsenal must prepare to face PSG’s dangerous attack without one of their most reliable defenders as they chase what would be the club’s first-ever Champions League title.