Arsenal Assess Ben White's Groin Injury, Academy Defender Salmon in Contention

Arsenal are assessing Ben White after the defender suffered a fresh groin injury during Saturday's 2-0 win over Sunderland, with 17-year-old academy prospect Marli Salmon now in contention for a surprise Carabao Cup opportunity against Ipswich Town.

White was seen clutching his left groin late in the first half before being replaced by Jurrien Timber at the interval. It is a frustrating setback for the defender, who had only recently returned from the MCL damage that ended his previous season early and cost him a place at the World Cup. Early assessments suggest the injury could range from simple muscle tightness, which might see him fit within a week, to a more serious adductor strain that could sideline him for one to three weeks.

With Timber only just back from his own lengthy groin issue and Cristhian Mosquera still working his way back from a hamstring strain, Mikel Arteta could turn to Salmon, who has trained regularly with the senior squad and is capable of playing both centre-back and right-back, for Tuesday's third-round tie. William Saliba remains Arsenal's only long-term absentee, continuing his recovery from a back injury that flared up during the World Cup.