Mikel Arteta confirms second Arsenal injury blow after Ben White limps off at West Ham

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Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Riccardo Calafiori picked up an injury against West Ham after Ben White was also forced off the field. Arsenal claimed a dramatic victory over the Irons to move a step closer to the Premier League title, but the Gunners saw two of their full-backs unable to complete the match.

Arsenal came away 1-0 victors over their London rivals after Callum Wilson had a stoppage-time goal ruled out by VAR . Arteta may now have to enter the final match of the season without two potentially key players.

White was the first to leave the field on Sunday and looked emotional as he departed the pitch, accompanied by Arsenal medical staff. The England international left the stadium with a brace around his knee, though he did not require the assistance of crutches.

The defender was replaced by Martin Zubimendi as Declan Rice slotted in at right-back and Arsenal's performance notably suffered. Arteta soon had to reshuffle his pack again when Calafiori was unable to continue after half-time, allowing the Spaniard to rectify his tactics.

"We were so dominant through what we wanted to do and bringing on Mosquera was going to give us something different so I went for Declan and in that moment - and I don't know if it's because of the position - there were two actions where we suffered a little bit on that side," Arteta explained.

"We had the opportunity at half-time because Ricky has to come off as well, which is painful, to make another change. We do it and, at some point, I had the feeling that we had to change the game. We need two players in those pockets that are proper attacking midfielders. We went for it and we got rewarded."

Arteta was unable to provide a detailed update but confirmed Calafiori was also injured. "We'll have to wait and see with both of them what it is, but unfortunately, yes," he said after the match.

The Gunners boss added that White would undergo further tests on Monday.

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Arteta's decision to shift Declan Rice to full-back came under criticism from former Manchester United defender Gary Neville . "Declan Rice is going to stay at right-back, I am stunned actually," Neville said.

"I have just been told there is no evidence Miles Lewis-Skelly has ever played right-back. But to take Declan Rice out of the middle of the pitch is a big call.

"One of the guests in the studio thinks anyone can play at right back, so now we'll find out. If I was Nuno and West Ham I'd be lifted right now, I would be just naturally."

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