Arsenal hit by potential hammer blow after confirmed news on ‘two massive players’ – pundit
Noel Whelan has admitted missing Ben White and Kieran Tierney against Leicester City would be a major blow for Arsenal.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the pair are “massive” players at the back for the Gunners.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Mikel Arteta confirmed both White and Tierney are doubts for Saturday’s early kick-off.
He confirmed the centre-back had not trained since coming off through illness in the 2-0 win over Leeds United on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the Spanish boss suggested Tierney would face a late fitness test after stepping up his recovery from an ankle problem.
Whelan insisted Arteta would struggle to replace the duo against the Foxes on Saturday.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “Two massive players like that, you’re gonna miss them. They’re very hard to replace, those kind of quality players.
“Tierney’s been so consistent and a real top performer for Arsenal. Even when they were in the struggles with results, he was always Mr consistent, pulling out performances.
“To miss him and that balance down that left-hand side, his quality crosses, you’re going to miss that.
“Ben White, new signing, he’s got some minutes. You’re trying to build that relationship up between Gabriel and Ben White at the back.
“Those three together, you really want at the back to build that relationship. If he isn’t fit, you’re then having to take a step back again and rebuild that relationship.
“It’s 90 minutes where you could really do with them getting a bit of a consistent run together. Building that backline relationship that you need. They’re still learning about each other’s game right now.”
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