Arsenal have been dealt a potential blow on the personnel front, ahead of the club’s upcoming meeting with Everton.
Toffees test
Mikel Arteta’s men are of course set to return to action in a little over 48 hours’ time.
After slipping to a 2nd defeat in three at the hands of Manchester United in midweek, the Gunners will make the trip to Goodison Park, no doubt desperate for a swift return to winning ways.
And who would bet against Arsenal managing exactly that?
Their upcoming opponents currently stand as one of the most out-of-form sides in the Premier League, having failed to secure a 3-point haul since all the way back in September.

WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 01: Rafael Benitez, Manager of Everton ahead of the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Everton at Molineux on November 01, 2021 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
ESR to miss out?
As alluded to above, however, if the north Londoners are to bag just a 2nd victory in four on Monday night, then they may need to do so without one of the club’s star performers.
This comes with a surprise late set of quotes on the part of Mikel Arteta, surrounding the fitness of Emile Smith Rowe, having come to the fore online.
As revealed by the Spaniard, ESR, who found the net in the club’s defeat to United on Thursday, ‘had some discomfort’ at Old Trafford, meaning a late fitness check awaits at Goodison Park:
Emile Smith Rowe faces a late test. “He had some discomfort during the game and we decided to take him off. He’s been evolving well over the last few days, so we have to wait until tomorrow to see how he is.”
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— Ben Dinnery (@BenDinnery) December 4, 2021
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