Arsenal star could miss League Cup game as Gunners wait for fitness update

Ben White could not finish Arsenal’s match against Sunderland at the weekend due to a fitness concern, and the defender was substituted at half-time.

The Englishman has started the season as Arsenal’s first-choice right-back and has been superb for the Gunners so far. His performances have given Mikel Arteta little reason to replace him when he is available, and the manager has continued to trust him in an important role.

White facing League Cup absence

Arteta’s faith in White has been justified by his performances, but the defender has also had issues with injuries during his time at Arsenal. Having played so many matches since the start of the campaign, the latest fitness concern could signal that the demanding schedule is beginning to take its toll.

White is now being monitored by the Gunners, and Football London reports that the defender is very likely to miss Arsenal’s match against Ipswich Town in the League Cup. His absence would give the club another selection issue to consider ahead of the fixture.

If White were fit, there would already be a possibility that he would be rested for the game. The right-back has played a significant number of matches this season, while Arsenal have other players who can fill the position and provide him with an opportunity to recover.

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Arsenal must manage White carefully

However, the current situation appears different because White is reportedly unfit. If Arsenal wanted to use him against Ipswich, his fitness concern would prevent him from taking part, leaving Arteta to consider another option at right back.

The Gunners will not want to take unnecessary risks with the defender, particularly given his history of fitness problems and the number of matches he has already played. Allowing him time to recover could be the sensible approach.

For now, it remains unclear when White will return to full fitness. Arsenal will continue to monitor his condition, while Arteta must prepare for the possibility that his first-choice right-back will not be available for the League Cup fixture.