Arsenal are looking to get revenge over Everton after their loss at Goodison Park just under one month ago. The 1-0 defeat was just the second time Mikel Arteta's side had lost up until that point and set them on a three match run without victory but that has since ended.
Back-to-back wins against Aston Villa and Leicester, plus Manchester City dropping points away to Nottingham Forest last weekend, have seen the Gunners move back to being two points clear at the top of the table. This match against the Toffees is their game in hand though and could see that stretch to five points.
As the title race turns its final corner and enters the last stretch with both Manchester clubs promising to turn it into a thrilling finale this is a huge game for Arteta and his men. Their home record against Everton is imperious but Sean Dyche's men have survival on their minds with plenty to play for.
There are also concerns for Arteta to ponder with two of his stars guaranteed to miss the game at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night whilst there are continued concerns over other members of his squad.
Emile Smith Rowe provided a boost for fans as he turned out for the Under-21 side on Monday night in their 1-0 loss to Chelsea at Kingsmeadow, playing 45 minutes. January signing Jakub Kiwior was also part of the squad that night and played one half himself in an attempt to build-up match fitness.
When asked about this before the game Arteta said, “Really good. Obviously, they needed some minutes and at the moment they haven’t had much exposure for different situations. It was great to see them on the field because we’re going to need them in the next couple of games.”
Whilst Kiwior is yet to feature in the league, Smith Rowe is more likely to make a return to the bench having been an unused substitute in the past two weeks.
Meanwhile Gabriel Jesus remains out but is getting closer to a return with football.london understanding he could be seen in competitive action before the international break, though the match against Everton is still too soon for him.
"Doing really well, he’s been doing quite a lot of work on the ball already and his rehab is going well," Arteta explained. "Unfortunately no [with regard to a timeframe]. Ask the doctor maybe he'll give you one.
"The knee’s not reacting so it’s really positive. We want him back as quick as possible, but also respecting the timescale that the doctors and the specialists are giving us."
One player that is a lot more hopeful of being available is key midfield cog Thomas Partey. He has failed to start the past three games with a back issue but did return to the pitch against Leicester, albeit as a late substitute. He has been vital for the team this season and is in contention to feature against Everton.
"The question mark on Thomas. He hasn’t trained much but looks like he could be available," Arteta said on Tuesday. "Let’s see how he goes today. We’ve missed him in the past few games and hopefully he’ll be back."
His fitness and availability looks to be one that will not become clear until the teams are revaled at 6:45pm on Wednesday, the wait to see how ready he is will have to go on until Arteta issues at update before the game in North London, until then it will be fingers crossed for the fans.
READ NEXT:
Arsenal fans floored by Adidas announcement as new reveal dropped
Arsenal vs Everton TV channel, live stream and how to watch Premier League
Fuming Arsenal fans can't believe Everton TV decision as Liverpool and Wolves also in the dark
Adidas hatch radical Arsenal plan as 'stunning' 2023/24 kit leaks emerge
Stan Kroenke Arsenal transfer gamble hailed after Mykhailo Mudryk blow
