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MIKEL ARTETA stresses that the forthcoming month of rehabilitation will be crucial for Ben White after his successful knee surgery.
The Gunners’ full-back White underwent the procedure during the international break, right after playing a complete 90 minutes in the 1-1 draw against Chelsea on November 10.
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The 27-year-old had been managing the issue for several weeks, and Arteta stated that the player would be out for “months,” although he did not expect a disruption of “half a year.”
Even though there is a setback, the club is confident that White will return to contribute significantly in 2025, with Arteta being adamant about not hurrying the recovery process.
White is recognized within the Arsenal medical staff for his determination to play through pain while handling injuries.
When inquired if White is getting close to commencing his rehabilitation, Arteta commented: “It’s still early days.
“The surgery was very successful, and there has been no adverse reaction since. He is improving day by day, but the initial four to six weeks are critical.
“We need to be exceptionally careful and avoid putting any strain on that knee, then we will evaluate how quickly he can recover and how it reacts afterward.”
Arsenal’s concerns regarding their full-backs have diminished lately as Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori are now fully fit.
Italian international Calafiori returned last weekend after being sidelined for a month due to a knee injury, helping the team secure a 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest, while Dutchman Timber has been carefully managing his workload after his ACL surgery in August 2023.
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Both players are anticipated to be part of Arsenal’s impending match against West Ham tomorrow evening, along with captain Martin Odegaard, who has recovered from an ankle ligament injury.
Takehiro Tomiyasu remains a long-term absentee due to knee problems early in the season, compounded by further complications from an undisclosed injury.
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Left-back Kieran Tierney is now also available following recovery from a hamstring strain, having made the bench for Arsenal’s mid-week Champions League trip to Sporting Lisbon.
However, reports indicate that the Scotland international may not be a significant part of Arteta’s plans moving forward and could potentially leave the club in January, whether on loan or permanently.
