Mikel Arteta provided key injury updates on Arsenal defenders Gabriel Magalhães and Riccardo Calafiori ahead of the Gunners’ Premier League clash against Everton.
Both players, who have been sidelined since the West Ham match, are undergoing assessments to determine their availability for Saturday’s game.
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 22: Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal battles for possession with Oleksandr Zubkov of FC Shakhtar Donetsk during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between Arsenal FC and FC Shakhtar Donetsk at Emirates Stadium on October 22, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Arsenal will host Everton at the Emirates on Saturday in a Premier League encounter that carries weight for both clubs, albeit for different reasons.
The Gunners, aiming to close the gap at the top of the table, will look to extend their impressive home record, while Everton, desperate to claw their way out of the bottom half, face an uphill battle in North London.
Mikel Arteta’s side comes into the match buoyed by an unbeaten streak of 10 home league games, the longest active run in the Premier League. Arsenal’s last home defeat in the league was back in April, a 2-0 loss to Aston Villa. Since then, they have turned the Emirates into a fortress, combining defensive resilience with potent set-piece efficiency, scoring four goals from corners in their last three league matches.
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 30: Gabriel of Arsenal is fouled by Lukasz Fabianski of West Ham United, which results in a penalty for Arsenal, during the Premier League match between West Ham United FC and Arsenal FC at London Stadium on November 30, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
A large part of that defensive strength and corner-scoring ability is down to Gabriel, with the Brazilian’s recent absence a big loss to the Gunners.
Speaking ahead of the game at his pre-match press conference, Arteta offered a glimmer of hope regarding Gabriel, who has been nursing a hamstring issue.
“There is a possibility with one of them to be available. He trained today. It’s Gabriel,” Arteta said.
Gabriel’s injury saga began with a substitution in the 5-1 victory over Sporting. Although he started the next game against West Ham, he was forced off at halftime, and subsequent examinations confirmed a hamstring problem. His potential return this weekend could significantly strengthen Arsenal’s defensive – and offensive – options.
LISBON, PORTUGAL: Gabriel of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's third goal with teammates during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between Sporting Clube de Portugal and Arsenal FC at Estadio Jose Alvalade on November 26, 2024. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)
Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images
Riccardo Calafiori, however, remains a more uncertain prospect.
The left-back has been sidelined with a groin injury, and Arteta emphasised the importance of following medical advice. “We’re just respecting the times that the medical department has set. We monitor him every day,” Arteta said. Calafiori’s absence has led to adjustments in the backline, with Jurrien Timber recently stepping into the fold.
Ben White is still recovering from a knee procedure and is not expected back until 2025.
Takehiro Tomiyasu remains sidelined with a knee issue sustained during the October international break, with no clear timeline for his return.
Everton, meanwhile, are nearing a clean bill of health, with several key players returning to training. However, they face a daunting task at the Emirates, where Arsenal have dominated this fixture historically.
For Everton, their away form also remains a glaring issue. The Toffees have failed to score in their last three Premier League away matches and have only one away win in their last 18 outings. While they boast the league’s best defensive record since match round five, conceding just eight goals, their inability to convert chances on the road has been a persistent problem.
Sean Dyche will take charge of his 500th league match against Arsenal this weekend, and has only lost to Manchester City more than the Gunners. Let’s hope Saturday brings him his 14th defeat at the hands of Arsenal.
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