Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta confirmed on Sunday that his side suffered a double injury setback in the wake of a 1‑0 victory over West Ham United at the London Stadium. Leandro Trossard’s 82nd‑minute strike proved decisive, extending Arsenal’s lead in the Premier League to five points above Manchester City, but the win came at a price.
Ben White was forced to leave the field in the first half after sustaining a knee injury. The England defender was replaced by midfielder Martín Zubimendi, who had been a non‑starter up to that point. In the second half, centre‑back Riccardo Calafiori failed to re‑join the match after a substitution and was subsequently taken off for Colombian defender Cristhian Mosquera.
During the post‑match press conference, Arteta was asked about White’s condition. He said, “We don’t know the severity but it doesn’t look good at all. He will need further tests tomorrow and I should have a clearer picture then.” The manager declined to speculate on the length of White’s absence, emphasizing that a medical assessment is pending.
The injuries raise concerns for Arsenal, who are juggling a congested schedule that includes Champions League fixtures and a forthcoming FA Cup tie. Both White and Calafiori have been regulars in Artetta’s defensive setup this season, and their unavailability could compel the manager to rely more heavily on squad players such as Zubimendi and Mosquera.
Arteta’s side remained disciplined throughout the match, absorbing West Ham pressure before capitalising on a late chance. Trossard’s winner not only secured three points but also kept Arsenal on course for a possible title challenge, a narrative that has gained traction across African football fans who follow the Premier League closely.
The Gunners will travel to Newcastle United for their next league encounter on Saturday, where Arteta is expected to assess the fitness of his backline and make any necessary tactical adjustments. Further updates on White’s knee injury are anticipated after the scheduled medical examinations.
