Arsenal Defender Ben White Sidelined After Minor Knee Surgery

Arsenal defender Ben White is expected to be out of action for some time after undergoing minor surgery to address a knee issue.

White, 27, has had his minutes carefully managed this season, featuring in only 12 matches so far. Despite starting in Arsenal's recent Champions League clash against Inter Milan and the Premier League showdown at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea, playing the full 90 minutes in both games, it has been decided that surgery was necessary.

Reports indicate that the procedure to alleviate his joint problems will see White sidelined for approximately eight weeks.

This development adds to the challenges faced by Gunners boss Mikel Arteta, as summer signing Riccardo Calafiori is still recuperating from a knee injury and Takehiro Tomiyasu is also unavailable. The absence of White is another blow for Arteta, whose team has fallen behind in the title race.

Arsenal will resume their campaign after the international break with a home fixture against Nottingham Forest on November 23, followed by a crucial Champions League trip to Sporting Lisbon.