Takehiro Tomiyasu could be unavailable, and Gabriel Martinelli is likely to replace Emile Smith Rowe when Arsenal take on Everton.
The top-four race has gone in a different direction for Arsenal since back-to-back losses to Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United. Their chances of finishing in the top four will depend on two factors alone; the Gunners need Norwich City to beat Tottenham Hotspur while getting the better of Everton on Sunday.
It is safe to say Arsenal are guaranteed to finish fifth, and a return to European competition will be considered progress. But there is a sense that the Gunners have squandered a great opportunity to return to the UEFA Champions League.
Mikel Arteta, however, remained in a positive mood during his pre-match press conference and insisted much can happen in the last game of the season. The Arsenal boss said, “Very possible. And looking back, I’ve been back a few years and seen a few examples of teams that they played in the last game of the season and the things that happened. The closer the game is, I am more hopeful.”
While Arsenal did not provide the latest team news, some players remain doubtful. Takehiro Tomiyasu, who went down holding the back of his thigh, will likely be out with a suspected hamstring problem. The Japanese international will be replaced by Cedric Soares at right-back, while Nuno Tavares may start at left-back.
Arsenal vs Everton Preview: Probable Lineups, Prediction, Tactics, Team News & Key Stats
Arteta will take a late call on Ben White, who looked rusty against Newcastle United. The Arsenal manager will have Gabriel Magalhaes at his disposal, while Rob Holding will return after serving his suspension. Gabriel and Holding could form a partnership at the heart of the Arsenal defence.
Thomas Partey has returned to training, but the Arsenal manager is unlikely to risk the Ghanaian on the last day of the season. He could stick with Mohamed Elneny and Granit Xhaka in central midfield, while Albert Sambi Lokonga remains an alternative.
Bukayo Saka is the preferred choice on the right side of the Arsenal attack, and Martin Odegaard will complement the 20-year-old from a central attacking position. Gabriel Martinelli could replace Emile Smith Rowe on the left flank, after the English international looked jaded and out of form against Newcastle.
Eddie Nketiah will lead the line against Everton in probably his final game in Arsenal colours. Similarly, Alexandre Lacazette, who might leave the club in the summer transfer window, may come off the bench to bid his farewell to the Emirates crowd during the clash, alongside Nicolas Pepe.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Ramsdale; Cedric, Holding, Gabriel, Tavares; Elneny, Xhaka; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Nketiah
