Arsenal defender Ben White ruled out of the World Cup with medial ligament damage

LONDON (AP) — Arsenal defender Ben White is out of contention for the World Cup after sustaining medial ligament damage.

The Premier League leader confirmed the injury on Tuesday and said the England international would be out for the rest of the season.

“Our medical team are now managing Ben’s recovery and rehabilitation programme,” Arsenal said in a statement. It said the aim was for White to be ready for the start of its preseason preparations.

White was injured in the first half of Sunday's 1-0 win against West Ham.

He returned to the national team in March following a near four-year absence after walking out on the squad midway through the last World Cup. He played in friendly games against Uruguay and Japan and was in contention to be part of coach Thomas Tuchel's squad for the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

White is one of a number of high-profile players to sustain injuries ahead of this year's tournament staged in June and July.

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