Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta does not expect Ben White to be fit for next weekend's clash with Manchester City.
Reports emerged on Saturday evening claiming that the £50m signing did not report for training on Friday due to a positive coronavirus test, and Gooners' fears were confirmed when the club revealed that he was indeed COVID-positive.
Rob Holding and Pablo Mari struggled to deal with the presence of Romelu Lukaku during a 2-0 win for Chelsea on Sunday, and Arteta has not been able to offer a positive update on White's condition following the encounter.
When asked if White would be available to face the champions in gameweek three during his post-match press conference, Arteta responded: "I don't think so no."
The Spaniard also issued updates on Kieran Tierney and Gabriel Martinelli after both men were forced off in the defeat, saying: "KT had an issue with his quad and Gabi was cramping."
Arsenal remain pointless and goalless in the 2021-22 Premier League season and now gear up for an EFL Cup clash with West Bromwich Albion in midweek.
Ben Knapton
