Mikel Arteta Confirms Arsenal Could Be without 5 Important Players for Everton Clash

- Mikel Arteta revealed of the five players with only Martin Odegaard standing a chance

- Alexander Lacazette and Aubameyang are among a host of Arsenal players currently sidelined with injuries

- The injuries come at a time the Gunners are preparing for a potentially decisive week

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Mikel Arteta is facing a major squad selection headache as Arsenal prepare to take on Everton in a Premier League clash on Friday, April 23.

The Gunners will be heading into the encounter in search of a win in order to revive their slim hopes of sealing a European football slot.

However, the north Londoners may have to do that without five key players through injuries.

Captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who has missed the last three games after he contracted malaria headline a long list of players expected to miss the Friday encounter.

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Defensive duo David Luiz and Kieran Tierney are also unlikely to feature after picking knee injuries.

Real Madrid loanee Martin Odegaard is a doubt as well having aggravated an ankle knock while on international duty.

Odegaard's last appearance for the Gunners was earlier in the month during their 3-0 hammering in the hands of Liverpool.

Alexander Lacazette is the other player on the treatment table after he strained his hamstring during Arsenal's disappointing 1-1 draw against Fulham in their last outing.

Metro UK quoted Arteta saying.

"Yes, it is unfortunately the situation we have at the moment.

"They are all doing really well to be fair, they are a little bit ahead of schedule. We don’t expect them for Everton I think, we have a doubt with Martin a little bit, let’s see how he is today in training. The rest will be out and get them back in the team as quick as possible.

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The development comes at a time the Emirates club are entering a decisive week with a semi-final meeting with Villarreal in the Europa League already on the horizon.

The second-tier European competition look like Arsenal's likeliest route to the Champions League as they are currently rooted in the midtable with 46 points, nine off a top-four place.

Legit.ng earlier reported that Man United and Chelsea have been put on red alert after Real Madrid reportedly gave Raphael Varane the green light to seal a move away this summer.

Varane has just a year left on his current deal with Real and he is yet to commit to a new one.

Reports suggest the Frenchman has already intimated he is unwilling to extend his stay with Los Blanco, thereby leaving doors open over a possible exit.

Source: Legit.ng