How Arsenal could line-up at Everton with Granit Xhaka and Gabriel suspended but is Martinelli back fit?
ARSENAL will be without Gabriel Magalhaes and Granit Xhaka for this weekend’s match against Everton. The Brazilian defender, 22, received a red card during the 1-1 draw with Southampton on Wednesday. Xhaka, 28, remains out of action after he was sent off during the shocking 1-0 defeat to Burnley. Mikel Arteta will have to switch […]
ARSENAL will be without Gabriel Magalhaes and Granit Xhaka for this weekend’s match against Everton.
The Brazilian defender, 22, received a red card during the 1-1 draw with Southampton on Wednesday.
Xhaka, 28, remains out of action after he was sent off during the shocking 1-0 defeat to Burnley.
Mikel Arteta will have to switch up his squad for the must-win clash at Goodison Park.
Arsenal are on a run of six Premier League games without a win.
The Gunners are 15th in the top-flight table, while Everton are sat just outside of the top four.
Arteta could pair David Luiz up with Rob Holding in defence to fill the void left by Gabriel.
Meanwhile, Dani Ceballos and Mohamed Elneny could form the midfield partnership.
Thomas Partey remains out of action for Arsenal with a thigh injury.
Alexandre Lacazette could also be recalled after he was dropped in favour of Eddie Nketiah in the week.
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Arteta has revealed Gabriel Martinelli is nearing a return to first-team football.
But the clash against Everton could come too soon for the talented 19-year-old.
Martinelli has been out of action since March after he injured his knee in training.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Arteta said: “Gabriel Martinelli is very close to being available and fit to be part of us as well, which is great news.
“Gabi is pure enthusiasm, energy, belief, charisma and goals. And this is him.
“He’s around the training ground and he’s around our training sessions and the energy is different because he goes 100 miles per hour.
“He’s got passion and his way of playing is a threat. He’s a player that we’ve been missing because he brings something special to the team.
“He’s contagious with his attitude and I think it’s going to be a big boost when we have him.”
Arteta also hinted the likes of Calum Chambers, Pablo Mari and Shkodran Mustafi are close to returning.
He said: “At the moment we have to look at the next game.
“There are players that are ending the last phase of their rehab like Calum Chambers, Pablo Mari have already played some minutes in the Europa League. Mustafi as well.”
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