Former England midfielder Danny Murphy has weighed in on Arsenal’s growing injury concerns ahead of their Champions League final and final Premier League games.
The latest setback involves Ben White, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a serious medial knee ligament injury. His absence leaves manager Mikel Arteta short of options at right-back, especially as Jurrien Timber continues to recover from a groin problem.
“It’s a shame for Ben White,” Murphy said on talkSPORT following confirmation of the defender’s injury.
“He appears to be in Thomas Tuchel’s favour and had just begun to regain his form, playing consistently due to Timber’s injury.
“He is a competent player.”
Murphy also addressed criticism directed at Gary Neville for describing White’s challenge on Crysencio Summerville during Arsenal’s clash with West Ham United as weak.
The former Liverpool midfielder admitted he partly agreed with Neville’s assessment, suggesting White hesitated in the challenge instead of fully committing.
“I understand that Gary Neville received some criticism for his assessment of that tackle… I somewhat agree with him [Neville], in a way,” Murphy elaborated.
“I once missed a final by merely dangling a leg. Rio Ferdinand came through me aggressively away at Leeds, resulting in ligament damage, which caused me to miss a final.
“I reflect on that tackle and believe I should have gone in with full commitment.
“The issue now is that, given the current rules, particularly the follow-through rule, even if you do go in with full commitment but inadvertently catch someone, you risk receiving a red card. This actually encourages players to be more cautious.
“Neville is correct. The challenge is that players are overthinking due to the possibility of a red card, but the reality is that receiving a red card is preferable to sustaining an injury.
“White likely reflects on it and thinks he should have gone in more decisively.”
