Arsenal injury blow raises fears of MCL problem

Arsenal injury blow raises fears of MCL problem

Analysis of the incident leading to Ben White’s injury on Sunday has provoked fears of an MCL issue, with Mikel Arteta admitting it doesn’t look good.

Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

Ben White was forced off in the first half of Arsenal’s match against West Ham United at the weekend, suffering an injury that Mikel Arteta was clearly concerned about afterwards.

“We don’t know, but he doesn’t look good at all,” Arteta said. “So he needs some further testing tomorrow probably and I know a bit more.”

White was also seen leaving the stadium in a knee brace, raising further concerns about the problem.

Unfortunately, analysis of the incident by Physio Scout has revealed that the likely issue is an MCL injury.

Physio Scout points out that the simultaneous ball strike and high velocity to the inner side of the foot transfers force into the medial knee, which usually indicates an MCL injury.

The medical staff were also seen palpating the inner side of the knee and preparing for a valgus stress test, further indicators of an MCL problem.

If it does turn out to be an MCL injury, the best-case scenario is one-to-three weeks out, but a more serious MCL injury could mean two or more months on the sidelines. With just three weeks left of Arsenal’s season, White’s individual campaign could be at an end.

That would certainly be a blow to Arsenal’s trophy chances, as Jurrien Timber also remains sidelined at the moment. Without a natural right-back, Arteta may have to rely on playing Cristhian Mosquera in the role, as he did in the second half against West Ham.

It would also be a blow to White’s hopes of making the England squad for the World Cup, particularly if it turns out to be a two-month injury.

Arsenal fans and the player himself will be keeping fingers crossed for those further assessments.