Everton’s pre-Arsenal team news update is a mixed bag, with a couple of players returning, two starters out, and two more facing a race to be fit.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 21: Tom Davies of Everton battles for possession with Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Arsenal FC at Goodison Park on December 21, 2019 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND: Tom Davies of Everton battles for possession with Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Arsenal FC at Goodison Park on December 21, 2019. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

Starting with the absentees, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Tom Davies are both out of the Arsenal match through injury, with Calvert-Lewin also being linked with a move to North London this week.

Yerry Mina and Salomon Rondon could both feature against Arsenal, though there are no guarantees.

Mina picked up a hamstring injury in October, but he’s now recovered and returned to training. Rondon is “getting better” after a knock in Everton’s last game, but they’re waiting on the results of a scan.

In more positive news for Everton, Andre Gomes is available for selection after recovering from a calf problem.

Mason Holgate is also back after serving his three-match suspension.

“Yerry Mina has today [Friday] done part of the training session,” Rafa Benitez said in his press conference.

“He is getting closer. We will see how he reacts in the next couple of days, to see if he is available or not.

“With Rondon, we are assessing him. He is feeling better but we need to wait for the scan and see how he is doing.

“Andre Gomes has been training. We are still missing Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Tom Davies.

“The other players at the moment are available.”

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND: Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Everton celebrates after scoring their side's second goal during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Everton at American Express Community Stadium on August 28, 2021. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND: Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Everton celebrates after scoring their side’s second goal during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Everton at American Express Community Stadium on August 28, 2021. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Regardless of the players available, Arsenal need to be taking advantage of an Everton team in very poor form.

Benitez’s side haven’t won a league game since September, and they’ve only scored one goal in the last month.

If Arsenal are going to keep pushing for the European places, they need to bounce back from Thursday’s defeat with a win.