Everton vs Arsenal: Latest team news, predicted lineups and injuries

Saka was back with a bang on Tuesday

Arsenal are reeling from news that Gabriel Magalhaes is out for the rest of the season ahead of their Premier League clash with Everton this weekend.

The Brazil international limped off after just 15 minutes in Tuesday’s victory over Fulham with the club since confirming he will have no further role to play this term.

The timing could not be worse for Mikel Arteta’s side who host Real Madrid in the first leg of their titanic Champions League quarter-final next Tuesday.

Jurrien Timber meanwhile also picked up a knock in the 2-1 win over the Cottagers, attempting to play on before eventually being forced off in the second-half.

Arteta revealed after the game the Dutchman had an issue with his knee – but did not specify if it was the same one that suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury that saw him miss his entire debut season.

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Ben White meanwhile did not make the squad midweek, with a knee problem of his own forcing Arteta to sideline the defender.

It leaves Arsenal potentially without four defensive options with Riccardo Calafiori still sidelined.

Gabriel’s season is over (Reuters)

Arteta will be expected to provide an update on Timber and White at his pre-match press conference on Friday. But even if the two are passed fit, Arteta will surely be tempted to leave them out with that tie against Real Madrid looming large next week.

Jakub Kiwior is Arteta’s only other available option to come in and partner William Saliba at the back

Timber also an injury doubt (Picture: Getty Images)

While Arteta is unlikely to admit it, Arsenal’s title challenge is surely over after Liverpool opened up a 12-point gap at the top with Wednesday’s win over Everton.

While a trip to Goodison Park will certainly be no walk in the park with David Moyes’ side beaten just once in their last 10 games, squad rotation will be tempting with that Champions League game three days later in mind.

How Arsenal could line up this weekend…

Bukayo Saka made his triumphant return off the bench to score what turned out to be the winning goal against Fulham. Arsenal are still managing and monitoring Saka carefully after hamstring surgery that sidelined him for three months and another role off the bench could be expected this weekend to keep him fresh for Real.

Myles Lewis-Skelly and Gabriel Martinelli – himself just back from a hamstring injury – could be among those rested for next week.