Mikel Arteta has several stars ruled out through injury currently (Image: Getty)
Injuries are continuing to stack up at the Emirates Stadium, and Mikel Arteta could be forced to solve some of his dilemmas unconventionally.
Arsenal have endured a tricky start to the season on the fitness front, and those problems have worsened in recent weeks. Thomas Partey and Kai Havertz both withdrew from international duty with injury concerns, whilst Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli both sustained problems whilst away with their respective nations.
Raheem Sterling and Leandro Trossard will provide alternative options out wide for Arteta to pick from, with Gabriel Jesus chomping at the bit to prove his worth in the potential absence of Havertz.
However, Arteta may have to be slightly more creative when it comes to his midfield selections.
New signing Mikel Merino has 55 minutes under his belt with Arsenal since his move from Real Sociedad, and Arteta could therefore lean on an alternative option in that department in the shape of Ben White.
The England international was sidelined with an issue prior to the international break but Arteta said the defender was ‘close’ to being available for the Southampton match. Thus, with another week passed, the 27-year-old is likely to be back in the frame for the Gunners.
Ben White's versatility could prove useful for Arsenal (Image: Getty)
White appears to have been pipped to being Arsenal’s first-choice right-back by Jurrien Timber, and thus he could relish the chance to reinvent himself as a midfielder if offered the chance by Arteta.
The defender was deployed as a midfielder on several occasions during his time at Brighton, with then-manager Graham Potter helping White transition into the role. The positional shift proved a success, with White dropping into defence to form a back-three when required, and also drifting into right-back when Tariq Lamptey roamed forward.
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Graham Potter used White in midfield whilst at Brighton (Image: Getty)
Arteta could take inspiration from how his No. 4 thrived at the Amex Stadium in the role, especially as White has since played as an inverted full-back which would have enhanced his ability to play in those central areas.
The leap of faith would also provide Arteta with an alternative No. 6 moving forward, with Jorginho not getting any younger and Partey continuing to be linked with a move away from the Premier League, with Barcelona the latest side to be tipped to make a move for the Ghana international.
