The latest on Ben White ahead of Tottenham vs Arsenal

Updated: July 21, 2022 at 11:24 pm GMT+1

White has been a staple of the Gunners’ backline throughout 2021/22 and, despite a pretty shaky start to the campaign, he has been a solid edition for the north Londoners.

However, the Englishman has missed Arsenal’s last several games, including their 2-1 win over Leeds United on Sunday.

Following that game, Mikel Arteta had this to say on White: "I think so [he'll be available against Tottenham]. He's starting to do a little bit of work on the pitch. We want everyone available."

And now, a fresh update on the stopper has emerged via the Evening Standard who write: “Arsenal defender Ben White hopes to be available for Thursday’s crunch north London derby against Tottenham. The England centre-back has been out for two-and-a-half weeks with a hamstring injury but Arsenal will give him as much time as possible to prove his fitness.”

Ben White is hoping to be available for Thursday's crunch north London derby clash.

Arsenal will make a late call on the England defender, who has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury.

✍️ @sr_collings https://t.co/ytDlK3IdN0
— Standard Sport (@standardsport) May 11, 2022

Given the magnitude of the game Arsenal would no doubt love to have White back. However, as Tottenham boast one of the best front threes in England right now, rushing White back to deal with the likes of Harry Kane and Heung-min Son could be a mistake.

Arsenal head into the match occupying that coveted 4^th spot and, thanks to Spurs’ draw with Liverpool on Saturday, Mikel Arteta and co. now boast a four-point lead over their bitter rivals.

As a result, if Arsenal win on Thursday, they will secure a Champions League place for the first time since 2017.