Arsenal’s 2024 season has already presented a series of challenges, with injuries piling up across the board, particularly in the right-back position.
As Ben White faces multiple weeks on the sidelines following a knee operation, Mikel Arteta finds himself without his starting right-back at a crucial point in the season.
This injury adds to a growing list of absences, including notable setbacks for Oleksandr Zinchenko, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and others who have either been ruled out or are struggling with fitness.
With Arsenal’s fixtures only intensifying, the club needs to find reliable solutions to cover the right-back position and stabilise their defence.
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The impact of losing Ben White
White has become a pillar of Arsenal's defence since Arteta began using him as a full-back.
His contributions go beyond solid defensive performances; he frequently aids the team’s build-up play, providing an outlet and linking effectively with Bukayo Saka on the right flank. White’s versatility and ability to shift into midfield or central defence have made him indispensable.
Losing him is a significant blow for Arteta, especially since White’s pairing with Saka and Martin Ødegaard has become a driving force for Arsenal's attacks.
Unfortunately, White's absence not only weakens Arsenal’s defensive setup but also disrupts their offensive fluidity.
His ability to progress the ball and support Saka in wide areas has allowed Arsenal to stretch opposition defences and create space for their midfielders.
With White out, Arsenal’s right side will lack some of that balance and may become a target for opposition teams aiming to exploit any signs of vulnerability.
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Injury pile-up: Zinchenko, Tomiyasu, Calafiori and Timber
White’s injury adds to Arsenal’s woes in defence. Tomiyasu, another player capable of filling the right-back role, has also had his share of injury troubles, forcing Arteta to manage his minutes carefully.
Zinchenko, primarily a left-back but sometimes slotted in on the right, is not fully fit either.
With Riccardo Calafiori also sidelined and expected to be out of action for at least several weeks still, the picture painted of the Gunners' defence looks increasingly bleak.
The sheer number of injuries in Arsenal’s defensive ranks underscores the challenge Arteta faces. With limited options to rotate and maintain a fresh backline, the team’s structure is under pressure.
Each injury weakens the squad, especially when compounded in the same area of the pitch. Arteta’s side must now navigate a challenging stretch of games without a fully fit defensive core, leaving them exposed to fatigue and form-related issues.
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Alternative solutions: Partey, Timber, or a formation change?
Without White, Arteta has a few potential strategies. One option is deploying Thomas Partey at right-back, a position he’s occasionally occupied this season.
While primarily a midfielder, Partey’s physicality, passing range, and defensive awareness make him a viable alternative for short-term cover.
Moving Partey to right-back, however, would disrupt Arsenal’s midfield, especially if Declan Rice is not fully fit. This shift would also place additional responsibility on other midfielders, potentially impacting Arsenal’s overall control of the game.
Another option involves Jurrien Timber, who was brought in to add defensive flexibility but has yet to fully integrate due to his injury. If Timber recovers soon, he could step into the right-back role, restoring some stability to Arsenal’s defence.
Known for his ability to play in multiple positions, Timber could replicate some of the dynamics White brought to the team. However, rushing Timber back into action carries risks, and his match fitness will likely need time to return.
Alternatively, Arteta could explore a three-at-the-back system. This formation would allow Arsenal to utilize wing-backs while keeping the central defence fortified.
Zinchenko, if available, could operate on the left, with Bukayo Saka potentially taking on a wing-back role on the right. A shift to three defenders might also give Arsenal added coverage against teams looking to exploit the flanks.
However, this system could require some tactical adjustments, and it’s unclear how effective it would be with the current injuries impacting Arsenal’s depth.
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Youth options: Could Josh Nichols step up?
Another possibility Arteta could consider is turning to the club’s youth ranks. Josh Nichols, a promising right-back in Arsenal’s academy, has shown potential and could be an option if Arteta is willing to take a calculated risk.
Nichols’ lack of first-team experience makes this a gamble, but it could pay off if he adapts quickly and holds his own defensively.
Promoting Nichols could also help ease the physical burden on senior players while giving Arsenal the opportunity to nurture young talent. If he steps up, he could provide a fresh alternative and add much-needed depth.
However, relying on a young player in a critical position during a tight league race carries its own challenges and may not be the most reliable option against Premier League and European opponents.
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The next fixtures: Navigating a tough schedule
Arsenal’s upcoming schedule intensifies the urgency to address the right-back situation. With matches against Nottingham Forest, Sporting, and Manchester United in three of their next four games, the club cannot afford defensive lapses.
Arsenal currently trails Liverpool by nine points, making it essential to avoid further slips if they want to remain in the title race. Maintaining defensive solidity, especially on the right, will be crucial to Arsenal’s chances.
Without White, Arteta must find ways to secure his defence against fast-breaking teams like Manchester United, which could exploit any structural weakness.
Nottingham Forest and Sporting also possess the quality to capitalise on defensive inconsistencies, and without a stable backline, Arsenal risks dropping vital points.
This run of games demands a solution that not only plugs the gaps at right-back but also preserves the team’s tactical fluidity.
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Long-term concerns: Depth and injury management
The growing injury list at right-back raises questions about Arsenal’s squad depth and injury management. Although Arsenal has invested in players capable of playing in multiple positions, the frequency of injuries suggests the need for reinforcement, especially in defence.
In the January transfer window, Arsenal may need to consider acquiring additional defensive cover to ensure they can compete effectively in the Premier League and Europe.
Injuries are an unavoidable part of any season, but the concentration of Arsenal’s absences in defence, particularly at right-back, is a cause for concern.
If Arteta cannot find a reliable solution soon, Arsenal’s aspirations for the season may be compromised. As the squad adapts to this latest setback, the need for durability, rotation, and perhaps even new signings becomes increasingly evident.
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Final thoughts: Arsenal’s season hinges on defensive solutions
Arsenal’s right-back issues underscore the importance of defensive stability in a highly competitive season.
While White’s absence is a significant blow, Arteta has several options to consider, each with its own advantages and risks.
Whether through tactical adjustments, creative player roles, or an injection of youth, Arsenal’s response to this setback could define their season.
For the Gunners to stay in contention, Arteta must make the right call, and fast.