Merseyside prepares for a Premier League encounter overshadowed by a significant injury crisis, as Everton host Arsenal this Saturday with a combined ten players definitively ruled out and a further two major doubts.
Everton's mounting absentee list
The Toffees, who have enjoyed a solid season under David Moyes, will be without several key figures. Jarrad Branthwaite remains sidelined with a hamstring issue and is not expected back until the end of January at the earliest. He is joined on the long-term list by Merlin Rohl, who is recovering from a groin injury.
Experienced defender Seamus Coleman is a fresh concern, having pulled a hamstring. Moyes confirmed the Irishman "is going to be out for a little while," though a precise timeline is unknown. The squad is further depleted by the absence of Idrissa Gana Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye, who are away on international duty at the African Cup of Nations.
There are also serious doubts over two more players. Jack Grealish felt a hamstring issue, requiring careful assessment, while Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is being checked after feeling tightness in his hamstring during the last match.
Arsenal's defensive woes deepen
Mikel Arteta's Gunners are grappling with their own severe selection headaches, particularly in defence. The situation worsened last weekend when Ben White suffered a fresh hamstring injury against Wolves. The club is assessing the extent of the problem, but his absence is a major blow.
He joins centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes on the treatment table, with "Big Gabi" also ruled out for a matter of weeks, though he may return slightly ahead of schedule. Young defender Cristhian Mosquera is another casualty, with Arteta confirming a longer-than-expected layoff: "He's going to be out for weeks unfortunately."
Midfield and attacking concerns for the Gunners
The injury issues extend beyond Arsenal's backline. Promising midfielder Max Dowman picked up an injury last weekend and scans have confirmed he will be "out for weeks."
In attack, Kai Havertz is making good progress but is not expected back until at least the end of the month. Arteta stated last week that it is a "matter of weeks" and that the player needs time before returning to competitive action, despite doing work on the pitch.
This extensive list of absentees will force both managers into significant tactical reshuffles for a crucial Premier League fixture. Everton will look to bounce back from a defeat to Chelsea, while Arsenal aim to build momentum after a dramatic late win over Wolves.
