"He's out": Mikel Arteta now confirms £50m Arsenal star is unavailable to face Everton

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed a fresh injury blow ahead of the Premier League clash against Everton on the road tomorrow.

The Gunners returned to winning ways in the league last weekend with a 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Emirates Stadium.

They were far from their best, but managed to get out of jail with the help of two own goals.

Arsenal must turn up with a better showing at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, and ahead of the encounter, Arteta has revealed another injury setback.

Ben White was substituted early in the first half against Wolves with a suspected hamstring injury. The news has been confirmed by Arteta.

The Spanish tactician said that the £50 million signing is evolving well from the injury, but he will be out of action for the next ‘few games’.

He said: “Yeah, he’s out. He’s evolving well, it’s not a major injury, but it will keep him out for a few games, I think.

“I don’t think it’s going to be [a major injury] and Ben is a really fast healer as well, so there’s hope that we’re going to have him in the next few games.”

Arteta went with a back four of White, William Saliba, Piero Hincapie and Jurrien Timber against Wolves.

Riccardo Calafiori was suspended for the clash. Timber slotted in for the Italian at left-back as White continued on the right side of the defence.

Unfortunately, White suffered an untimely setback during a Wolves counter-attack, and he is now expected to be sidelined for some time.

His absence means Timber is guaranteed to start in his preferred right-back role. Calafiori should return on the opposite end after serving his suspension.

No more changes are likely in defence. Gabriel Magalhaes is edging closer to a return after a thigh injury, but the game will come too soon for him.

Arsenal have shared the spoils in the last two meetings against Everton. They must beat the Toffees this time to preserve their two-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the table.

Pep Guardiola’s side are widely expected to beat West Ham United on Saturday afternoon. The Gunners have to respond with a victory in the late kick-off.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

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