Ben White is ready to make his first start for Arsenal since November when they host PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday. The 27-year-old right-back underwent knee surgery in November and returned to action on February 22 as a substitute against West Ham. Since then, he has made two further substitute appearances, totaling 18 minutes, and is now fully prepared to start.
Arsenal will face PSV in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, holding a commanding 7-1 lead on aggregate. Mikel Arteta has been cautious with White’s recovery to ensure there are no setbacks, but the manager is confident that White is now in a good position to start. “I think we have to manage him very well because he was still having some issues to manage in terms of the load,” Arteta explained. “We were very cautious of that to make sure that when he comes back, he can now maintain that level, and there’s no more setbacks. But I think he’s in a good position now to give him a start.”
A potential start for White is timely, as England manager Thomas Tuchel is set to name his first squad on Friday since taking charge. Tuchel has reportedly spoken with White, who has been in self-imposed exile from the England setup since leaving the camp during the 2022 World Cup. Although White has not played for England since that tournament, Tuchel’s interest in the versatile defender could signal a return to the national team fold, though it remains to be seen whether White changes his stance.
White has been a standout performer at right-back for Arsenal since joining from Brighton for £50million in 2021. His ability to play in multiple positions, including centre-back and midfield, makes him an appealing option for Tuchel, who values versatility in his squad.
Arteta is expected to make changes to his lineup for the clash with PSV, with a Premier League match against Chelsea on Sunday. “It is unique [being 7-1 up on aggregate], but as well understanding how the game was played a week ago and the fact that everything went in the right direction for us from the beginning,” Arteta said. “And we’re going to have to end the right tomorrow to go in the same direction, so fully focused on that.”
With White ready to make his first start since November, Arsenal will be eager to secure their place in the Champions League quarter-finals and shift focus to the upcoming domestic fixtures.