Groves Hits Back at Neville Over White Injury Verdict

Perry Groves has waded into the debate surrounding Ben White's injury during Arsenal's trip to West Ham, taking aim at Gary Neville's assessment of how the incident unfolded.

White lasted just 28 minutes at the London Stadium before his knee gave way in a challenge with Crysencio Summerville. The 28-year-old defender was substituted, with Martin Zubimendi replacing him and Declan Rice dropping back to right-back. Arsenal ultimately prevailed 1-0 courtesy of Leandro Trossard's 83rd-minute effort, though the victory was overshadowed by White's departure and the subsequent confirmation of a significant medial ligament injury.

The right-back, who had recently been recalled to the England squad by Thomas Tuchel, now faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines. He will miss Arsenal's Champions League final showdown with Paris Saint-Germain and the World Cup.

On Sky Sports, Neville offered a forthright critique of White's positioning and commitment to the challenge. The former Manchester United captain suggested the defender's approach was inadequate, arguing a more robust technique would have prevented the injury entirely.

Groves, however, has dismissed this analysis as superficial and potentially agenda-driven. Speaking on talkSPORT, the ex-winger contended that White engaged fully in a genuine 50-50 contest for the ball. According to Groves, the injury resulted from the mechanics of the tackle itself—when Summerville's knee made contact with White's inner knee as the defender's knee joint hyperextended, causing ligament damage.

The former Arsenal winger characterised Neville's commentary as lacking depth, suggesting the pundit was simply looking for a reason to criticise White rather than offering genuine insight into what had transpired. Groves was emphatic that White showed no hesitation in committing to the challenge.

Mikel Arteta now faces a selection puzzle at right-back as Arsenal pursue a Premier League and Champions League double. With Jurrien Timber still recovering from an ankle complaint and White sidelined, Cristhian Mosquera—primarily a centre-back—appears the likeliest option, though his lack of experience at this level could prove problematic against Paris Saint-Germain's dangerous left winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.