Arsenal have been dealt a fresh injury concern after right-back Ben White was absent from training in the build-up to the Carabao Cup encounter with Ipswich Town.
White has been an ever-present figure for Mikel Arteta's side this campaign, starting all six matches so far, including the Community Shield triumph over Manchester City. Given his consistent involvement, there was already a possibility that the defender might have been given a breather for the cup fixture regardless of any fitness issue.
However, the fact that he did not train has raised questions about the extent of any problem. With the scale of the issue yet to be confirmed, it is unclear whether White will be fit enough to feature for Arsenal in their remaining fixtures before the upcoming extended international break. There is also uncertainty over whether an England call-up could be affected should the knock prove more serious than first thought.
White's recent struggles follow a difficult period for Arsenal's defensive options, as the north London club continue to manage the return of Cristhian Mosquera, who offers cover at right-back. The Spaniard has been out of action since being forced off with a muscle problem during Arsenal's win over Aston Villa on August 31.
Despite the setback, there is optimism within the club that Mosquera's issue is not severe, and Arteta has expressed confidence that the defender is progressing well in his recovery. Speaking ahead of the Sunderland match, the Arsenal boss gave an encouraging update on the 21-year-old's condition.
"He's doing really well," Arteta said of Mosquera. "Let's see if he can get this game or the next one. It will be around that time I think."
Should White be ruled out of the Ipswich tie, Mosquera could be handed the opportunity to make his return to action sooner than expected, providing Arteta with a like-for-like option in the right-back position. The timing of his recovery, as suggested by Arteta's comments, appears to align closely with the current fixture list, potentially offering the club a timely boost.
Arsenal's squad depth will be tested further as the season progresses, with a congested schedule of domestic and cup commitments placing additional strain on the club's defensive resources. The uncertainty surrounding White adds another layer of complexity for Arteta as he continues to rotate his squad across multiple competitions.
White was withdrawn during Arsenal's recent Premier League victory over Sunderland, though the severity of that issue was not immediately clear at the time. His continued involvement in every match this season underlines his importance to Arteta's plans, making his potential absence a notable concern for the club as they navigate a busy period.
With the extended international break approaching, Arsenal will be keen to have clarity on White's condition as soon as possible. A prolonged absence could impact not only his club involvement but also his chances of being considered for international duty during the upcoming break.
Arteta and his medical staff are expected to assess White further in the coming days as they determine the best course of action, balancing the need for caution with the demands of a busy fixture list that includes both domestic league games and cup commitments.
Based on reporting from standard-football.