🔥🏟️It’s not that I don’t like Arteta but his decision to bench that particular player today was the reason we lose…We might not finish in top-four if he keeps making such decision’: Arsenal forward Saka faults Mikel Arteta got benching ONE Player today

Thomas Partey looks set to continue in an unfamiliar role at left-back for Arsenal’s upcoming clash at St James’ Park, partnering with William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, and Jurien Timber in a back four that Mikel Arteta hopes will bring stability and resilience against Newcastle United. This defensive lineup mirrors the setup that recently secured a hard-fought 2-2 draw with Liverpool, and Arteta seems keen to maintain this configuration amidst a spate of injuries and fitness concerns within the squad.

In his pre-match press conference on Friday, Arteta provided updates on Ben White’s fitness, expressing uncertainty about the defender’s condition. White, who has recently returned from a month-long injury layoff, managed to start Arsenal’s last three games but was initially slated to rest during the recent Preston match to ensure he would be fit for the challenge against Newcastle. Unfortunately, White’s recovery has been slower than expected. “With Ben, we don’t know yet,” Arteta shared earlier in the week. “He could not train, so let’s see what happens.”

While White’s absence is undoubtedly a setback, Arteta is mindful of managing his squad’s fitness levels carefully, especially with a crucial midweek Champions League fixture against Inter Milan looming. To mitigate the risk of further aggravation, Arteta has opted for caution, relegating White to the bench and giving Partey another opportunity in the defensive line. According to football.london, this decision serves as a strategic precaution to preserve White for the high-stakes match against Inter.

Explaining the situation further, Arteta highlighted the need to protect White after he experienced another minor setback. “Ben didn’t quite make it because he only had half a session yesterday,” Arteta said via TNT Sports. “It’s the third time he’s had a small issue, so we needed to protect him.” This comment underscores Arteta’s commitment to prioritizing player well-being over immediate tactical gains, understanding the grueling demands of a season that includes both Premier League and Champions League commitments.

By fielding Partey in a defensive role, Arteta demonstrates trust in the midfielder’s versatility, hoping his physicality and defensive acumen can help solidify the back line. For Arsenal, this choice not only represents a short-term solution but also an illustration of the squad’s adaptability under Arteta’s guidance. As Arsenal fans wait to see how this reshuffled defense performs, it’s clear that Arteta is balancing immediate challenges with long-term aspirations, ensuring key players like White remain protected while others, such as Partey, rise to meet the demands of an intense fixture schedule.