Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Ben White and Jurrien Timber could yet be available for Arsenal’s trip to Goodison Park on Saturday, easing a mounting injury list that has left the squad stretched heading into the final stages of the season.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, the Arsenal manager acknowledged that decisions on both players will be made shortly before the Premier League clash against Everton.
“Let’s see how Ben and Jurrien are tomorrow,” Arteta said. “Yeah, there is a chance [they could be available]. The problem is we have a few of those and we will decide very early tomorrow.”
The uncertainty follows confirmation that Gabriel Magalhaes will miss a significant period after undergoing surgery on a hamstring injury sustained against Fulham. The Brazilian was visibly in discomfort as he limped off, and Arteta said he would be out “for a while” following a surgical repair to the affected area.
Arteta dismissed the suggestion that Arsenal are facing a systemic issue with muscular injuries, but admitted the recent spate has disrupted preparations. “Ricci [Riccardo Calafiori] is not fit as well. In the last week or so we lost four players,” he said. On the broader trend of hamstring issues, he added, “No I don’t think it’s specific to Arsenal and it’s very difficult to put it into just one motive. We’ve had four and they are completely different.”
While last season Arsenal were among the best in the league for injury management, Arteta acknowledged this campaign has been different. “We can do [something]. The sample I think is very small, last season I think we were the best. We started with a small squad.”
Saturday’s match, a 12.30pm kickoff, will mark Arsenal’s final visit to Goodison Park before Everton move to their new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, a waterfront development on the banks of the River Mersey that is scheduled to open in the 2025–26 season.
The 52,888-capacity venue will replace one of English football’s most historic grounds, closing a chapter that dates back to 1892.
Reflecting on the occasion, Arteta said, “It will be very special, a lot of history between the clubs and with a manager who has just come back now and for David as well. It’s never easy to come back for a second time.”