Arsenal face Everton at Goodison Park tonight, Xhaka is back in training and may be available but Smith Rowe is a doubt
By Kehinde Okeowo
The Gunners have lost the 5th position to city rival Tottenham Hotspot and are now 7th behind Manchester United, but can go back to 5th with a win over Everton at Goodison Park tonight.
Everton have been poor and have a couple of injury concerns, they sit in 16th position, two places above the relation zone and 5 points off it.
Arsenal will try to capitalise on Evertons’ poor form to climb back to 5th though they have also lost 2 Premier League games in 3 after going 10 games unbeaten in all competitions.
The visitors have a bit of good news, as long-time absentee and experienced Swiss midfielder, Granit Xhaka is back in training and in connection to play.
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Xhaka after injuring his right knee has made excellent progress in his recovery from a medial knee ligament injury that has sidelined him since September 26.
He is now back in full training and his availability is being assessed ahead of Monday’s match against Everton.
Out of favour Arsenal Keeper, Bernd Leno has a tight groin sustained in training and also is being assessed ahead of the Goodison encounter, though Ramsdale is the first choice goalkeeper.
Emile Smith Rowe, who is Arsenals’ highest goal scorer, has a tight groin from Thursday’s 2-3 loss against Manchester United and is being examined ahead of the Everton game tonight.
Sead Kolasinac sustained a significant injury to his left ankle playing for Bosnia and Herzegovina during the November international period.
He is now running outside and is aiming to be back in full training in January, he has fallen down the pecking order and may not be missed tonight.
The rest of the men’s first-team squad are currently fit and available for selection in a game that has great consequences for the confidence of both teams
Granit Xhaka will be a big boost if he eventually makes the matchday squad, as Arsenal have missed his experience in the middle of the pack.
The young Emile Smith Row will, however, be a big blow if he is unable to play, given the fact that he has been the surest source of goals for the Gunners.
