Arsenal face a big test at Goodison Park without a host of their defenders as Thomas Partey and Jakub Kiwior could slot into the backline.
Arsenal head to Goodison Park for the final time before Everton move to a brand new stadium for next season, and Mikel Arteta will target a third consecutive win in the Premier League. The Gunners are without a host of their key defenders for this trip, and Arteta must find the right solutions at the weekend and for next week’s clash with Real Madrid.
During his pre-match press conference, Arteta discussed the latest injury problems at the club after Gabriel Magalhaes was ruled out for the remainder of the season. He also updated on the status of his other defenders.
Starting with Gabriel, the club confirmed the extent of the Brazilian’s hamstring injury suffered in the early minutes against Fulham. The defender will undergo surgery to correct the problem, similar to Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz, forcing the centre-back to miss the remainder of the season.
On Gabriel, Arteta said, “It was a tough one to digest because we just got Bukayo back and then we lost Gabi. So it was tough, but the team reacted like it has reacted all season. I’m really proud of that and we know that he’s going to be out for a while, so we need to find different solutions and keep competing the way we have been all season.”
Meanwhile, Arteta provided fitness updates on Riccardo Calafiori, Jurrien Timber and Ben White. The Italian suffered a knee injury during the international break, while the Dutchman was involved in a challenge in the first half against Fulham, and although he managed to play for large periods, was taken off in the end. Ben White was ruled out for the Fulham clash, although Arteta was confident on the right-sided duo.
Arteta said, “Ricky is not fit, and that means in the last week or so we have lost four players and that’s obviously a big task. But let’s see how Ben and Jurrien are tomorrow, and that’s it – we must keep playing and competing the way we have been.”
In terms of the team selection, Arteta is expected to make some enforced changes to his playing eleven, especially at the back. David Raya will continue between the sticks and this time, the Spaniard will have a different back four than he is used to regularly. Thomas Partey could come in at right-back in place of Timber, while Jakub Kiwior is expected to take Gabriel’s place.
Even if Timber turns up fit, Arteta may not risk the Dutchman, especially with the Real Madrid tie around the corner. Partey has played as a right-back numerous times this season and will be a natural selection for that role, particularly when there is lack of clarity over Ben White’s fitness.
In that case, Jorginho is best placed to replace Partey in the midfield setup, and he will operate alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard. Ethan Nwaneri should continue ahead of Saka on the right wing, as Arteta will continue to be cautious over the winger’s fitness. Mikel Merino should continue to lead the line, while the impressive Gabriel Martinelli keeps his place on the left-hand side.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Raya; Partey, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Jorginho, Rice; Nwaneri, Merino, Martinelli
