Arsenal XI vs Everton: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup, injury latest for Premier League game today | OneFootball

Gunners’ defensive issues look set to ease in major boost for Mikel Arteta

Gabriel could make his return from injury when Arsenal host Everton in the Premier League today.

The Brazilian has sat out the Gunners’ last three games across all competitions due to a muscular problem, but took part in training at London Colney on Friday.

“There is a possibility with one of them to be available. He trained today and we will see tomorrow,” said Gunners boss Mikel Arteta, when asked on Friday afternoon for an update on Calafiori and Gabriel.

Asked if that player was Gabriel, Arteta said: “Yup.”

Like Gabriel, Calafiori has missed Arsenal’s last three games in a row and is still not quite ready to return.

“We are just respecting the times that the medical department has set and then we just monitor his evolution every single day,” said Arteta. “And we understand that he is not fully ready yet, but he is getting very close now.”

Key absentees: Both Gabriel and Riccardo Calafiori have missed the last three games for Arsenal

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Oleksandr Zinchenko is also still out injured for Arsenal, along with fellow full-backs Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu. That means academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly may get another start at left-back after starring in midweek.

Jurrien Timber should return at right-back after coming on as a substitute against Monaco on Wednesday night. That may see Thomas Partey moved back into midfield and Mikel Merino drop to the bench.

Kai Havertz is expected to replace the struggling Gabriel Jesus as Arsenal’s No9, while Leandro Trossard may come in for Gabriel Martinelli on the left flank.

Predicted Arsenal XI (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Trossard

Doubt: Gabriel

Injured: Calafiori (groin), Tomiyasu (knee), White (knee), Zinchenko (muscle)

Time and date: 3pm GMT on Saturday December 14, 2024

Venue: Emirates Stadium

Referee: Craig Pawson