Mikel Arteta named his Arsenal side to play Manchester City in a huge Premier League clash, but Ben White was a surprising omission from the starting team.
The defender has been a key part of the team since joining from Brighton, initially starting as a centre-back but being morphed into a right-back for the Gunners.
In a backline that includes William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, White has been a stalwart of the side, but it made for a surprise when he was named on the bench to face Man City.
That gave an opportunity to Riccardo Calafiori, who was named as one of the changes, moving him to left-back and Jurrien Timber across to right-back.
It’s a huge game to put the Italian international into, given that it is his full debut and his first start since recovering from injury.
Fresh Ben White injury and fitness concern for Man City v Arsenal
Ahead of the game between Man City and Arsenal, Arteta revealed that White was dropped from the side due to a “forced” issue.
Speaking ahead of the game, the Arsenal boss said: “It was a little bit forced [dropping Ben White], but we are ok.
“We’ve done it with different players but we have full belief in the players we have. It gives us something different.”
It suggests a potential injury or fitness concern for the 26-year-old, but one that isn’t serious enough for him to drop out of the matchday squad.
It remains to be seen whether he could make an appearance from the bench but may highlight the challenge for the Gunners in playing Champions League football alongside the Premier League.
Given the quick turnaround, Arsenal will also have a big task switching from the Man City game to the EFL Cup in midweek.
Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber have a point to prove for Arsenal
Arsenal duo Calafiori and Timber, in stepping in for White, have a big point to prove against Man City during the clash.
The pair will be dealing with the threats of Savinho and Jeremy Doku, who have shown an ability to take full-backs on the outside and inside.
Arteta has had some troubles with full-back injuries over the years and will be hoping that his plan hasn’t been disrupted by yet another problem.
