Mikel Arteta provides injury update on Arsenal defensive options with one star ruled out of Everton clash

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Arsenal travel to Goodison Park in their latest Premier League clash.

The Gunners go into the clash having won successive games at the Emirates Stadium over Chelsea and Fulham and have been boosted by the return of Bukayo Saka.

Gabriel Magalhaes requires hamstring surgery in a huge injury blow from the Fulham game and he was replaced by Jakub Kiwior in the side.

Mikel Arteta likes Kiwior and he could be set for a sustained period in the Arsenal side with the likes of Jurrien Timber and Ben White also struggling with knocks. The Gunners boss has provided an update on their condition.

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Mikel Arteta provides fitness update on Arsenal defensive options

Speaking at his pre match press conference ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Everton, Arteta has provided a fitness update on his stricken defenders.

Riccardo Calafiori picked up an injury for Italy and remains side lined for the final trip to Goodison Park for the Gunners.

Arteta stated: “Ricci is not fit as well. In the last week or so we lost four players. Let’s see how Ben and Jurrien are tomorrow.”

When pressed for further information on Timber and White there was good news for Arsenal fans as Arteta did not rule out their participation for the game.

Arteta explained: “Yeah, there is a chance. The problem is we have a few of those and we will decide very early tomorrow.”

Arteta should be cautious with Timber and White ahead of Real Madrid clash

Whilst every game is important to Arteta, the Gunners boss would be wise to take a cautious approach with the selection of Timber and White with a massive clash with Real Madrid around the corner.

The Champions League is the last remaining hope of a trophy this season for Arsenal and their chances would decrease greatly without the defensive pair.

As per the Arsenal predicted XI v Everton, Arteta could continue with Kiwior at centre half alongside William Saliba and use Thomas Partey at right back.

Although it is far from ideal using Partey in the full back role and he has struggled at times there this season, Arteta would rather have Timber and White firing for the challenge of keeping Kylian Mbappe at bay.