Predicted Arsenal XI vs Everton as Mikel Arteta faces decision over Gabriel Magalhaes replacement

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Arsenal are preparing to travel to Goodison Park for the final time to face an in-form Everton side.

The Gunners will be looking to further cement their hold on second place in the Premier League and build momentum before their crunch Champions League clash with Real Madrid.

Gabriel Magalhaes is out for the season following surgery on a hamstring tear sustained in the previous 2-1 win over Fulham.

Mikel Arteta now faces a huge decision as to how to plug the considerable gap left behind by the Brazilian defender and the Arsenal manager could have limited options to do so.

READ MORE: Mikel Arteta has saved Arsenal’s season with January transfer request, despite Gabriel Magalhaes injury

Predicted Arsenal XI vs Everton

Jurrien Timber is also a doubt for the clash at Goodison Park after limping off in the second half of the win over Fulham at the Emirates Stadium.

Arteta explained Ben White’s absence from the matchday squad as the defender has a ‘niggle’ in his knee whilst Riccardo Calafiori is still out, also with a knee injury picked up on international duty.

It has left the Gunners suddenly short of options at the back and Jakub Kiwior is expected to step in to centre back alongside William Saliba.

Thomas Partey is expected to play at right back with the experienced Jorginho moving into the number six role.

In attack, Arteta will be cautious over the minutes of Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka ahead of the Real Madrid clash and both will play a part but only from the substitutes bench.

It means that Leandro Trossard will return to the side in order to provide for Mikel Merino, who now has three goals in his last four games for club and country.

Arsenal’s makeshift defence will be under scrutiny

Arteta will be desperate for some good news on the fitness of the likes of Timber and White ahead of the Real Madrid clash but will be hoping that a makeshift defence can do the job against Everton.

David Moyes has helped to turn Everton’s fortunes around this season and in striker Beto, they have a powerful, physical presence who will cause the Gunners problems at the back.

Arsenal have a reliance on Gabriel but need to prove that they can still win without the colossal defender and Kiwior now has a chance to prove himself to be an able partner for Saliba.

If the Gunners can overcome a tough trip to Merseyside with three points, it will give them the belief that anything is possible against the reigning European champions.