Arsenal star set to be rested for EFL Cup clash against Preston due to load management - Reports

Arsenal star Ben White is reported to miss the Gunners' EFL Cup clash due to load management. The Gunners will face Preston North End at Deepdale Stadium in the Round Four clash on Wednesday, October 30.

Ben White joined the Gunners in the summer of 2021 from Brighton & Hove Albion for a reported transfer fee of €58.50 million. Over the years, the English right-back has developed himself as one of the first names on the teamsheet for Mikel Arteta's side.

According to a report by @afcstuff on X, White has reportedly not traveled with the Gunners to face Preston. The report stated that it was done due to load management. It's managing the workload of a player so that his peak is maintained throughout the season, especially in the latter half.

Ben White has played 720 minutes this season, divided among nine games. This equates to an average of 80 minutes per game. The Englishman also played the full 90 minutes in Arsenal's Premier League 2-2 draw against Liverpool on October 27, producing a brilliant assist to Bukayo Saka in the ninth minute.

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Preston North End vs. Arsenal head-to-head in numbers

Birmingham City v Fulham - Carabao Cup Second Round - Source: Getty

Arsenal will face Preston North End in the fourth round of the EFL Cup today (October 30). The two teams have faced each other 45 times across competitions in the past with Arsenal winning 22. Preston North End, meanwhile, have registered 14 victories with nine games ending in a stalemate.

The Gunners thrashed Bolton Wanderers 5-1 at the Emirates Stadium in the EFL Cup Round three clash. Declan Rice, Ethan Nwaneri, Raheem Sterling, and Kai Havertz scored to end a perfect night for the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium.

Meanwhile, Preston North End played an intense game with Fulham in their last EFL Cup clash. The two sides were inseparable by the end of 90 minutes, resulting in the match going to penalties at the Deepdale Stadium.

After a whopping 17 rounds of shooting, Fulham's Timothy Castagne missed from the spot giving Preston's Ryan Ledson a chance to win the game for his side. The English midfielder obliged and the shootout ended 16-15 in favor of the home side.

Arsenal's away form hasn't been great lately, having failed to register a win in their last three away games. Their last win came against arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur by a margin of 1-0 on September 15.