Arsenal defender Ben White has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a suspected MCL injury, dealing a huge blow to the Gunners and putting his World Cup hopes in doubt.
Arsenal have been dealt a major injury blow after defender Ben White was ruled out for the remainder of the season with a suspected knee injury.
The England international suffered the issue during Arsenal’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over West Ham at the London Stadium and was later seen leaving the stadium wearing a protective brace on his right knee.
White was forced off during the first half following a collision with West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville, raising immediate concerns among Arsenal supporters and coaching staff. Reports have now confirmed that the 28-year-old is believed to have sustained a medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury, affecting the band of tissue located on the inner side of the knee.
The setback creates a headache for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta ahead of the UEFA Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain on May 30th, with Cristhian Mosquera expected to step in as defensive cover.
🚨⚠️ Ben White will be OUT of Champions League final and missing upcoming games for Arsenal until end of the season.
Knee injury will keep White out and more tests will confirm if he can be in World Cup squad or not.
Get well soon! 👊🏼🏴 pic.twitter.com/1zWojnS2LF
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 12, 2026
White’s absence could prove particularly damaging given his importance to Arsenal in recent weeks, having started each of the club’s last five matches, including both legs of the Champions League semi-final victory over Atletico Madrid. The injury also arrives at the worst possible moment for White’s international ambitions, with England manager Thomas Tuchel expected to announce his World Cup squad in less than two weeks.
Although further medical assessments are still expected, early reports suggest White’s hopes of representing England at this summer’s World Cup are now in serious doubt due to the timing and severity of the injury.
