Arsenal could be without four vital players for their trip to Everton on Sunday after they were missing from first-team training on Wednesday. It comes ahead of a crucial final match for the Gunners, that could yet see them confirm Champions League qualification.
The challenge will be an uphill one though, given the past week for Mikel Arteta. His side saw their four-point lead over North London rivals Tottenham blown apart following a loss in the derby and another defeat against Newcastle shortly after.
It leaves the Spaniard in fifth, two points behind fourth and with a worse goal difference by 15. With Spurs facing Norwich, the Gunners will be hoping the Canaries can go down with a win while picking up a victory of their own.
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Discussing the upcoming challenge, the manager has urged his players to put the past two defeats behind them: “We have to swallow everything digest it and tomorrow is another day. We still have five days to prepare that match and we know we have to do.”
Heading into the clash with the Toffees, who may need to find their own result to confirm their Premier League status, Arteta may have to make some tweaks amid a number of injury concerns. Rob Holding is already confirmed to be missing through suspension, while Kieran Tierney and Thomas Partey have been long-term injury concerns.
And, as per Sky Sports, via Football Daily, four vital players were missing in Wednesday’s training session in the lead up to the game. Those players were Ben White, Gabriel Magalhaes, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Emile Smith Rowe.
While there could be plenty of options to replace the latter of the four, there will be concerns over how the back four will look. If those three are missing, as well as the guarantee of Holding, Nuno Tavares and Cedric Soares will be the only fit defenders available.
However, with days left before the match, it could be a precaution to make sure all the players are available, such as the late fitness checks with White and Gabriel ahead of Newcastle. Arteta will be keen to have them fit in time, hoping to end the season on a high in front of the home support.
