Arsenal star set for spell out with injury but duo closing in on returns

Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Ben White is set for a spell out through injury.

The Gunners defender was forced off in the win over Wolves and is now set to be out for a few games, Arteta says.

“Yeah, he’s out,” Arteta said.

“He’s evolving well. He’s not a major injury, but it will keep him out for a few games I think.

“I don’t think it’s going to be (serious) and Ben is a really fast hitter as well, so let’s hope that we’re going to have him in the next few games.”

Meanwhile, fellow defender Gabriel is closing in on a return from injury.

The Brazilian has been out since last month but has been back doing some parts of training.

“He’s pushing hard, as he always does every time he’s out,” Arteta said. “He’s evolving really well, he’s doing pitch sessions, so he’s not too far.

“We have to see in the last stages of that rehab how he progresses, but we are quite positive about him.”

Arteta is also hopeful of having Kai Havertz back available soon, who has been out with a knee injury since August.

“He’s progressing really well and quite fast in the last few weeks,” Arteta said.

“So, yeah, we are really positive that if everything continues like that in the next training sessions, he’s going to be with us soon.”