Arsenal Injury Update: Confirmed Latest on Ben White, Mikel Merino and More | OneFootball

Arsenal Injury Latest: Ben White, Mikel Merino and Riccardo Calafiori Updates Ahead of PSG Clash

As Arsenal prepare for their Champions League semi-final first leg against Paris Saint-Germain, Mikel Arteta has been handed a timely fitness boost. While the Gunners have navigated an intense season with admirable resilience, the squad has been stretched thin. The good news is that key figures like Ben White and Mikel Merino are close to returning, just as the stakes reach their highest point.

Positive Signs for Ben White

Ben White was absent for Arsenal’s recent 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace, sparking concerns about his availability for the PSG showdown. Having played in the 4-0 victory over Ipswich just days earlier, his omission raised eyebrows.

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Arteta, speaking after the Palace match, admitted it was a waiting game, saying White had picked up an “issue”. Encouragingly for Arsenal fans, the defender was back in full training on Monday afternoon. His presence on the pitch provides a significant lift for the Gunners, whose backline has looked stretched without him.

Potential return date: 29 April 2025 vs PSG (Home)

Mikel Merino Set to Feature

Mikel Merino also missed the clash with Crystal Palace, with Arteta reluctant to guarantee his fitness ahead of the semi-final. “We have to wait and see, but they were unable to be in the squad today,” the manager said when asked about Merino and White.

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However, like White, Merino trained with the group on Monday, suggesting he too is likely to be involved against PSG. His return is particularly crucial with Thomas Partey suspended. Interestingly, Merino has recently been deployed further forward, but may now be called upon to bolster the midfield.

Potential return date: 29 April 2025 vs PSG (Home)

Riccardo Calafiori’s Recovery Timeline

Riccardo Calafiori’s injury, suffered during Italy’s Nations League quarter-final defeat to Germany, initially appeared quite serious. His knee buckled awkwardly, and he was sent home from international duty.

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Arteta had expressed cautious optimism, stating, “If everything goes well, I think so – maybe a little bit earlier,” regarding a potential return. Calafiori has resumed some pitch work but remains short of full fitness. The Italian was notably absent from Monday’s training session, with Arteta later confirming: “Ricky is still not fit.”

Potential return date: Unknown

Other Injury Concerns for Arsenal

While the news around Ben White and Mikel Merino is positive, Arsenal are still grappling with several other absences. Jorginho is progressing after suffering a rib injury but remains a doubt for the first leg against PSG. “I hope so, but I’m not certain,” Arteta admitted last week.

Gabriel Magalhães has been ruled out for the remainder of the season following hamstring surgery. The same fate has befallen Takehiro Tomiyasu, who has undergone knee surgery after a season beset by setbacks.

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Kai Havertz could yet make a surprise return before the campaign ends. Initially expected to miss the rest of the season after hamstring surgery, Arteta has left the door open: “Hopefully we can have him [before the end of the season], but let’s wait.”

Meanwhile, Gabriel Jesus’s recovery from a serious knee injury continues, and he is unlikely to feature until late 2025.