Arsenal star Ben White ruled out of Champions League final in damaging injury blow

View 2 Images

Ben White has been ruled out of the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain and is now a serious doubt for the World Cup. White was forced off after a clash with Crysensio Summerville early into Arsenal's match with West Ham on Sunday.

White has sustained an MCL (Medial Collateral Ligament) injury to his knee that could sideline him from England duty this summer. The right-back was withdrawn for Martin Zubimendi at the weekend, shortly before the half-hour mark, with Declan Rice moving across to right-back.

The Athletic report that the full severity of the injury is still being evaluated, but initial assessments suggest White has suffered a right knee ligament injury, with early diagnosis indicating suspected MCL damage. Consequently, he will miss the remainder of the season.

The 28-year-old was spotted leaving the London Stadium wearing a knee brace following the 1-0 victory over the Hammers. It's understood he will be unavailable for the Champions League final against holders PSG in Budapest on 30 May.

Speaking to reporters after the match, Mikel Arteta offered a worrying update on White. He said: "We don't know, but it does not look good at all. He will need testing.

Speaking to Sky Sports , meanwhile, Arteta described the enforced substitution as a 'difficult' turning point in the match. He added: "We knew it was going to be tough day; they are fighting for their lives and we are trying to win the Premier League .

"Then the injury of Ben, we had to make a change and adapt, we had to make difficult decisions. We threw everything we had to try and win it."

FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news and more on our dedicated Facebook page

With Jurrien Timber also sidelined since March with an ankle problem, Arteta is confronted with a considerable selection headache. White has appeared 30 times across all competitions this season but has managed just nine Premier League starts.

He had featured in Arsenal's last five fixtures, including both legs of their Champions League semi-final victory over Atletico Madrid. Cristhian Mosquera appears the most likely option to slot in at right-back for the final in Budapest.

Losing White is a serious setback - not only because of the form he has shown, but also owing to his rejuvenated partnership with Bukayo Saka , which has breathed new life into Arsenal's right flank. The circumstances suggest Mosquera will now be primed to start the remaining three matches.

View 2 Images

Brought in for around £15million last summer, the Spaniard has caught the eye and earned a senior call-up to the Spain squad, placing him firmly on Luis de la Fuente's radar ahead of the World Cup . Alongside Timber, Mikel Merino continues to be unavailable, while Riccardo Calafiori sustained a new injury at the weekend.

Whether either will return before the Premier League campaign wraps up on May 24 remains to be seen. Arsenal return to action next Monday, welcoming relegated Burnley to the Emirates Stadium (8pm).