Mikel Arteta faces a selection dilemma between Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke for Arsenal’s trip to Everton, while the hosts sweat over the fitness of star midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta is facing a significant selection headache as his side prepares to travel to Everton this Saturday.
Despite Bukayo Saka’s return to fitness following a hamstring issue, the exceptional form of summer signing Noni Madueke has sparked a debate over who should occupy the right-wing berth.
The Gunners currently lead the Premier League by two points, but they could be overtaken by Manchester City before they even kick off at Goodison Park.
Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards highlighted the difficult choice facing Arteta, noting that while Saka remains the team’s most important player, Madueke has become impossible to ignore.
Richards observed on The Rest Is Football podcast: “I feel Arsenal have a little bit of a conundrum because Madueke is playing really well and Saka is their best player.”
He added that the team has historically been “too reliant on Saka all of the time,” suggesting the squad depth is now being tested.
Meanwhile, Everton are dealing with their own personnel issues ahead of the clash. Key creative midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall remains a major doubt after suffering a hamstring injury during a recent defeat to Chelsea.
Toffees manager David Moyes confirmed the setback was a “blow” to his tactical plans, stating: “Losing Kiernan was a blow to us but I thought we adapted quite well.”
The injury crisis further complicates the task for the Merseyside club as they host the league leaders.