The Gunners have picked up back-to-back league wins against Chelsea and Fulham. They will aim to continue the streak against the Toffees.
Ahead of tomorrow’s early kick-off, Arteta said that it was tough to digest Gabriel Magalhaes’ hamstring injury, which has ruled him out for the season.
He said: “It was a tough one to digest because we just got Bukayo back and then we lost Gabi. So it was tough, but the team reacted like it has reacted all season.”
The Spanish tactician added that Riccardo Calafiori won’t be fit to face the Toffees. The 22-year-old has yet to recover from a knee injury sustained on Italy duty.
However, Ben White and Jurrien Timber will be assessed and could be involved.
He added: “Ricky is not fit, and that means in the last week or so we have lost four players and that’s obviously a big task.
“But let’s see how Ben and Jurrien are tomorrow. There’s a chance, yes.”
Gabriel’s season-ending injury has left a huge void to fill in the heart of the Arsenal defence.
Calafiori, who has primarily played as a left-back for Arsenal, can operate from left centre-back. He is presently unavailable due to a fresh knee issue.
Jakub Kiwior is another natural replacement in the squad but the Poland international has been prone to unforced defensive errors during his Gunners career.
He was easily outmuscled by Fulham’s Adama Traore on Tuesday, but was fortunate that the subsequent pass was beyond Raul Jimenez’s reach. The Mexican could have had a tap-in.
In our view, Arteta should play both White and Timber in the XI in Gabriel and Calafiori’s absence.
White should occupy the right-back role, with Timber in the right centre-back position.
William Saliba has regularly played as the left central defender for France. He should slot into a similar role with Myles Lewis-Skelly operating as the left-back.
The manager should opt for the above combination against Everton in preparation for the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid.
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