Arsenal suffer Ben White blow as defender forced off against Leeds United

Arsenal were dealt a blow in their Carabao Cup victory over Leeds United, losing defender Ben White during the second half.

The former Brighton & Hove Albion man, who spent a season on loan at Leeds in 2019-20, was making his first cup start for the Gunners after being rested for the victories over West Bromwich Albion and AFC Wimbledon in previous rounds.

White went down 10 minutes into the second half, with the game goalless, and received treatment before leaving the field of play to be replaced by Calum Chambers, with Mikel Arteta later indicating that the centre-back was suffering from illness.

There was a small positive for the London club, with Chambers opening the scoring seconds after coming on, but manager Mikel Arteta will be made to sweat on White's condition just a few months into the defender's time in the capital.

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Ben White was forced off just 10 minutes into the second half ( Image:

AFP via Getty Images)

White has played seven games for Arsenal since his move from Brighton over the summer, and his new team have lost only once with him on the pitch.

The 24-year-old was one of only two members of the side which beat Aston Villa last Friday to stay in the team for the Carabao Cup fourth round game, with Emile Smith Rowe the other.

Chambers' close-range finish put Arsenal ahead, before Eddie Nketiah capitalised on a defensive mix-up to double the lead, with the hosts seeing out the tie to reach the quarter-finals.

The injury concern comes at a bad time for Arsenal, whose next game is away to a Leicester City side with 10 goals in their last three games in all competitions.

Chambers could end up slotting in alongside Gabriel, who was rested against Leeds, but fellow defender Pablo Mari missed the midweek game through illness.

Rob Holding could be another option, having started alongside White, but he was unable to finish the game after going down with what looked like cramp.

Mikel Arteta will hope it's not more bad news on the injury front, following a series of issues for his team this season.

Kieran Tierney missed Tuesday's match with an ankle injury, while Granit Xhaka has been out since September with a knee problem.

Gabriel has also missed games this term thanks to an injury sustained over the summer, but the Brazilian returned in September and has been an ever-present in the league since.

Eddie Nketiah scored Arsenal's second against Leeds

Arsenal will hope White isn't sidelined for too long, considering the part he has played in the team's revival after a tough start to the season.

Arteta's side sat bottom of the Premier League after their first three games but are now 10th following a six-game unbeaten run.

After Saturday's trip to Leicester, Arsenal will host Watford in their final league game before the international break.