Arteta provides injury updates on White and Timber ahead of Everton clash | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta has shared the latest injury news regarding Ben White and Jurrien Timber ahead of Arsenal’s upcoming match against Everton at Goodison Park.

The Gunners are dealing with several injury problems as they prepare for a busy period in their season.

Arsenal suffered a big blow this week when Gabriel Magalhaes was ruled out for the rest of the season due to a hamstring tear.

The Brazilian defender will need surgery, leaving Arteta’s defensive options much thinner. White, who missed the match against Fulham, is also struggling with a knee injury.

The 27-year-old spent much of the season recovering from a previous knee operation and still hasn’t regained full fitness.

Timber limped off in the final minutes of Arsenal’s recent game. His injury is a worry for Arteta.

Arteta was asked about the impact of Magalhaes’ injury during his pre-match press conference.

He admitted that it was difficult to take, especially as Arsenal had just welcomed Bukayo Saka back to fitness.

“It was a tough one to digest because we just got Bukayo back, and then we lost Gabi,” Arteta said.

“So it was tough, but the team reacted like it has reacted all season.

“I’m really proud of that, and we know that he’s going to be out for a while, so we need to find different solutions and keep competing the way we have been all season.

When questioned about the chance of White and Timber being fit for the Everton game, Arteta said it was possible.

However, with the Champions League quarter-final clash with Real Madrid coming up, Arteta highlighted the need to make careful choices.

“The problem is that we have a few of those [calls],” Arteta added. “We’re going to have to decide this evening or tomorrow very early in the morning which players we can play and for how long especially.”

If White and Timber regain fitness, they would significantly strengthen Arsenal’s defence. White, who could step in for Magalhaes at centre-back, would partner with William Saliba.

Alternatively, Arteta could go for a back three, with Timber playing in the centre and White at right-back.