Premier League: Arsenal host Everton on Friday night without Lacazette and Aubameyang

Everton will be hoping to keep up their chances of a European spot alive when they go to the Emirates, while Arsenal will have one eye on the Europe League semifinal.

Arsenal host Everton at the Emirates stadium on Friday night; Credit: Twitter/@Arsenal
By Sreejith C R | Apr 23, 2021 | 3 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

In a high-octane clash, Arsenal will host Everton at the Emirates Stadium on Friday night. The Gunners will be without their two main strikers- Pierre- Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette for the crucial match. Everton are currently in 8th place, six points shy of fourth-placed Chelsea, but have a game in hand. Whereas, Arsenal are languishing in ninth – nine points behind Chelsea. For Arsenal, Europa League seems like the best route to enter the Champions League. On the other hand, Everton will be hoping to keep up their hopes of a European spot alive with a positive performance at Emirates.

Arsenal’s injury crisis

Aubameyang and Lacazette have been ruled out of the Everton fixture because of illness and injury respectively. Aubameyang is recovering from Malaria, he contracted during his international duty with the national team Gabon. Lacazette has been sidelined with a hamstring strain he picked up during Arsenal’s 1-1 draw against Fulham on Sunday. Arsenal also gave injury updates on Martin Odegaard, Davis Luiz and Kieran Tierney.

Arsenal’s official website said on Lacazette, “Alex has sustained a strain to his left hamstring and will be unavailable for Friday’s match against Everton. He will continue to work with the medical team and will be assessed ahead of next week’s matches.”

Arsenal announced about Aubameyang: “Auba will be unavailable for Friday’s match against Everton, but is hoping to resume light training by the end of this week.”

Martin Odegaard is working his way back in from an ankle injury. “Martin is now back in light training and will be assessed ahead of the Everton match regarding his availability,” Arsenal said.

Tierney and Luiz have long-term injuries, Gunners are hoping to have both back in the coming weeks. “David is making very good progress and is hoping to integrate back into light training with the squad next week,” Arsenal said. “Kieran continues to make positive progress and is hoping to be back in training within two to three weeks.” Arsenal said.

Everton are in the 8th position in the table with 49 points from 31 games and still have an outside chance to grab a European spot. Carlo Ancelotti’s side are coming on the back of a thrilling 2-2 draw against Tottenhan Hotspur at the Goodison Park last Saturday.

Arsenal are one place behind Everton with 46 points having played a game more than the Toffees. Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta will have his one eye on the Europa League semi-final first leg against Villarreal on April 29th.

With Arsenal looking highly unlikely to qualify for Europe with a top-four finish in the Premier League, Arteta will be hoping to win the Europa League and qualify for next season’s Champions League.

Chelsea, Liverpool, and West Ham fight for top four

On Saturday, Liverpool will host Newcastle. A win will take Jurgen Klopp’s side above fourth-placed Chelsea, at least for the time being, as Chelsea will play away to West Ham later on the night.

Fourth-placed Chelsea and fifth-placed West Ham are level on points and are separated only by goal difference. The winner at the London stadium will move to 58 points, one point behind third placed Leicester City.





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