Arsenal take on Everton in the Premier League next, and both sides have some injury concerns.
Ben White suffered a hamstring injury during the game against Wolves, and that is going to keep him out for a few weeks.
Arsenal’s other long-term absentees include Kai Havertz, Cristhian Mosquera, Gabriel Magalhaes and Max Dowman. Some of them are expected to be back sooner than the others.
Mikel Arteta has shared an update now ahead of the clash against Everton on Saturday.
What’s your prediction for Everton vs Arsenal and who do you think will score the first goal?
Will Viktor Gyokeres finally score?
Mikel Arteta shares update on Kai Havertz and Gabriel Magalhaes’ injuries
Havertz and Gabriel are two very important players for Arsenal.
The German has been out injured since the first game of the season, and he has been a huge miss. His absence has put a lot of pressure on Viktor Gyokeres, and that has not helped him.
Gabriel, on the other hand, is arguably even more integral to Arsenal.
The Brazil international has played 17 games in all competitions this season, and the Gunners have conceded just five goals in those fixtures.
In the five games he has missed in the Premier League since his injury, Mikel Arteta’s men have kept just one clean sheet and have conceded five goals.
Arsenal need both Gabriel and Havertz back as soon as possible, and although they are closing in on a return, they will not be available for the game against Everton.
On Havertz, Arteta said in his press conference: “He’s progressing really well and quite fast in the last few weeks. We are really positive that if everything continues like that in the next training sessions, he’s going to be with us.”
When asked about Gabriel, Arteta replied: “He’s pushing hard as he always does every time he’s out, and he’s evolving really well. He’s doing pitch sessions, so he’s not too far. We have to see in the last stages of that rehab how he progresses, but we are quite positive about him.”
What would your Arsenal XI vs Everton be? Would you make any changes to this line-up?
This is our predicted Arsenal XI vs Everton. Tell us yours!
Arsenal were in a similar position in the title race in 2023/24
Havertz and Gabriel’s returns will make a huge difference for Arsenal.
The Gunners already have a fantastic squad, and they deserve praise for being on top of both the Premier League and Champions League tables.
However, with Manchester City breathing down their necks, the North Londoners will have to be near perfect in the second half of the season.
This was the case in the 2023/24 season as well. Arsenal were ahead of Pep Guardiola’s side in December and were the favourites to win the Premier League.
They even won 16 of their 18 games in the second half of the season, losing just once. City, however, were unbeaten in their corresponding 18 fixtures and pipped Arsenal in the end.
We’re sure Arteta will be hoping that history will not repeat itself this season.
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