Arsenal Handed Massive Injury Boost Ahead of Everton Showdown

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 25: Carlo Ancelotti of Everton during the Premier League match between Southampton and Everton at St Mary's Stadium on October 25, 2020 in Southampton, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 25: Carlo Ancelotti of Everton during the Premier League match between Southampton and Everton at St Mary's Stadium on October 25, 2020 in Southampton, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal face Everton
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 25: Carlo Ancelotti of Everton faces Arsenal on Saturday (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images) /

Arsenal have been granted a major boost ahead of their clash with Everton.

The internal issues at Arsenal are some of the worst ever seen in the Premier League era, and while solving those comes first and foremost, they’ve been handed a big lifeline for the weekend.

Everton appointed Carlo Ancelotti within days of Mikel Arteta assuming his post in north London, with the Italian struggling in the early months to impose his style of play on the crop he inherited.

In trend with recent transfer windows, the Toffees splashed heavily in the summer transfer window under Ancelotti’s instructions, bringing in a wealth of talent who’ve since drastically altered the club’s fortunes.

Midfielders Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure joined from Napoli and Watford respectively, adding ball progression and leadership in an area of the pitch where Everton were at their weakest.

Ben Godfrey was signed to bolster the defensive numbers, although it was the addition of James Rodriguez from Real Madrid which has made the most notable impact. The Colombian has contributed three goals and three assists in the Premier League this season, but has been forced to sit out the previous two matches through injury.

He was expected to return for the Toffees for Saturday’s visit of Arsenal, but it’s since been confirmed by Ancelotti. that the influential 29-year-old will not be fit to face the Gunners.

Such an absence naturally aids Arsenal’s cause, but Allan will also sit out the Goodison Park clash having sustained a hamstring pull in the recent win over Leicester.

Two players of huge value to Everton not featuring will doubtlessly please Arteta, for more reasons than one.