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Mikel Arteta has suggested that Ben White is now "ready" to make his first start since November after easing him back in since returning from knee surgery.
White was back in Arteta's matchday squad at Leicester last month and has enjoyed several brief cameo appearances off the bench in subsequent games. Jurrien Timber has continued to carry the load at right-back, but Wednesday's dead rubber with PSV presents the boss with a great opportunity to return the Englishman to his starting XI.
Arsenal have a 7-1 advantage heading into the second leg after they secured a record-breaking triumph in Eindhoven last Tuesday.
Mikel Arteta suggests Ben White is ready to return to Arsenal's starting XI
Despite returning to the fold just shy of a month ago, White has played 22 minutes across three games. He was an unused substitute at the weekend as the Gunners were forced to settle for a point at Old Trafford.
Supporters have longed to see the full-back back in action, and the Emirates are poised to see White's first start since 10 November on Wednesday night.
Speaking on White's status ahead of the second leg with PSV, the boss commented (via Charles Watts): "I think we have [had] to manage him very well because he was still having some issues to manage in terms of the load, and we're very cautious of that to make sure that when he comes back, he can now maintain that level, and there's no more setbacks.
"But I think he's in a good position now to give him a start," he added.
Off the back of an ACL injury and has been asked to play nearly every game due to Ben White’s long-term absence.
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) March 11, 2025
Jurrien Timber has stood up and been so so good this season. He’s definitely a player Arsenal can rely on over the next few years.
Top player. Top attitude. pic.twitter.com/37VOoddpEE
Arsenal's caution regarding White is understandable given that he's coming off surgery and they have an excellent alternative in Timber. However, the Dutchman desperately needs some respite and White surely shouldn't have any issues navigating what's bound to be a low-key second leg bereft of Premier League-level intensity.
The full-back has a role to play down the stretch, there's no doubt about that, and he'll want to rebuild his momentum quickly to give himself the best possible chance of re-entering the England discussion. A change in manager means White is set to make himself for selection again, although I'd be very surprised if Thomas Tuchel opts to include him in his squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri, on the other hand, have thrust themselves into the senior picture.