Arsenal have been handed a fresh injury concern ahead of Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup trip to Ipswich Town.
Ben White is reportedly being assessed after suffering a groin problem during Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Sunderland.
The defender started at right-back but was replaced by Jurriën Timber at half-time, with SunSport now reporting that the change was linked to a fresh fitness issue rather than simple rotation.
It is another frustrating development for White after Mikel Arteta had declared him fit only 24 hours before the Sunderland game.
ReadArsenal’s latest Arsenal injury update before Sunderland had tracked White alongside Timber and Cristhian Mosquera after he appeared uncomfortable following the Champions League win over Napoli.
Ben White now a doubt for Ipswich
According to SunSport, White is being assessed ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Portman Road.
The timing is awkward for Arteta.
Timber made his competitive return at Sunderland after months out with a groin injury, but Arsenal have been managing his workload carefully.
The Netherlands international had travelled to Naples in midweek without making the matchday squad before finally returning from the bench on Wearside.
ReadArsenal covered that cautious comeback when Timber was left out against Napoli despite travelling.
Mosquera also remains another question mark after missing the Sunderland squad, while William Saliba continues his recovery from a back injury.
That could leave Arteta short of established defensive options for Tuesday.
Marli Salmon could benefit from Arsenal injury problem
The most intriguing consequence could involve 17-year-old Marli Salmon.
SunSport reports the academy defender is now in contention for a surprise Carabao Cup opportunity if White cannot recover in time.
Salmon has already been around Arteta’s first team regularly this season.
He travelled with Arsenal for the Champions League victory over Napoli and was named among the substitutes after Timber failed to make the final matchday squad.
ReadArsenal’s full Arsenal travelling squad for Napoli highlighted Salmon’s inclusion alongside the senior defenders.
The teenager also signed his first professional Arsenal contract last month after a rapid rise through the academy.
ReadArsenal looked at that progression in our profile of Salmon after he signed professional terms.
Tuesday could now provide another major opportunity.
Arsenal travel to Portman Road to face Ipswich in the Carabao Cup third round, with the club confirming an 8pm kick-off on Tuesday, 15 September.
If White is unavailable and Timber is not considered ready for another start, Arteta may have little choice but to turn towards Hale End.
For now, though, Arsenal have not officially confirmed the extent of White’s problem.
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