Arsenal defender Ben White to avoid surgery but World Cup dream set to be over

By Philip Duncan, Press Association

Arsenal defender Ben White will not require knee surgery – but remains set to miss England’s World Cup campaign.

The Gunners confirmed on Tuesday that White had suffered a “significant medial knee ligament injury” during their 1-0 win at West Ham on Sunday.

White will be absent for Arsenal’s final three matches, which could see them complete a Premier League and Champions League double.

However, the Press Association understands the injury-hit defender will not need an operation on his right knee.

The news will come as a welcome boost to both White and Arsenal, who are thought to be hopeful the defender could return for the club’s pre-season plans.

But the injury is expected to end 28-year-old White’s World Cup prospects after he recently called time on his four-year international exile with appearances in England’s last matches against Uruguay and Japan. Thomas Tuchel is due to name his World Cup squad in just 12 days’ time, with England’s first game against Croatia taking place on June 17.

White’s Arsenal absence will provide Mikel Arteta with a selection headache at right-back for their pivotal games against Burnley and Crystal Palace – as they bid to end their 22-year wait for the league title – and this month’s Champions League final against Paris St Germain, with Jurrien Timber also sidelined.

Timber has been absent for two months with a groin problem, and it is unclear if he will be able to play a part in the run-in. Cristhian Mosquera would be expected to deputise, while Declan Rice has also operated as an emergency right-back this season.