Arsenal injury concerns over Ben White after he’s spotted wearing knee brace in training – but Fabio Vieira is back
BEN WHITE has sparked injury fears ahead of Saturday’s clash against Leicester having been spotted wearing a knee brace in training.
Though Fabio Vieira has given Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta a boost having returned to full training following his minor foot injury.
The £34million summer arrival failed to feature for the Gunners in pre-season despite joining the club on their US tour.
Shortly after making the move to North London he picked up a foot knock which required him to wear a protective boot.
However he could now be in line to make the matchday squad against the Foxes at the Emirates.
Though defender White, who impressed at right-back in Friday’s 2-0 win away at Crystal Palace, could be a potential doubt after his knee was pictured strapped up at London Colney.
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However the fact he was still training with the brace on could show that his problem isn’t too serious.
Still, if Mikel Arteta decides to rest the ex-Brighton ace, he may decide to start Takehiro Tomiyasu over him instead.
The No1 right-back choice hasn’t played for Arsenal since the 2-0 defeat against Newcastle in May after picking up a thigh injury.
But despite failing to play in pre-season and against Palace, like Vieira, the Japan international is back in full training.
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However should Arteta decide to not risk Tomiyasu, Cedric Soares would slot in seamlessly at the back.
White’s natural centre-back spot is under jeopardy following William Saliba’s man of the match display at Selhurst Park.
Manchester United legend Gary Neville likened the 21-year-old to a young Rio Ferdinand.
The Sky Sports pundit said: “I was massively impressed by him. He reminded me of a young Rio Ferdinand.
“He’s such a young defender at 21. Getting through that second half, when Arsenal weren’t at their best, would have been the most pleasing thing for Mikel Arteta.”
His colleague Jamie Carragher remarked: “It’s not easy for any defender coming here but William Saliba has been excellent, he really has.”
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Before adding: “You can argue was it right to put him out [on loan], but a 21-year-old playing centre-back in the Premier League – do you want to be doing that when you’re 19, 20?
“It’s not easy, but he looked the real deal.”