ARSENAL head into Saturday’s clash with Everton facing a defensive injury crisis.
Interim boss Freddie Ljungberg will take charge of the team for what is expected to be his final match before Mikel Arteta’s arrival.
Ljungberg has overseen just one win in his five matches in the dugout with confidence at rock-bottom following a 3-0 defeat against Man City.
And they face another tough test at a resurgent Everton under Duncan Ferguson.
Ljungberg will need to find a way to stop his side conceding goals having failed to keep a clean sheet in 14 matches.
But his task will be made even harder with a number of first-team stars on the treatment table.
Arsenal are without a recognised left-back with both Kieran Tierney and Sead Kolasinac ruled out.
It means youngster Bukayo Saka could be deployed in a make-shift position having come on to play left-back against Man City last week.
Hector Bellerin is also likely to miss out with a tight hamstring while Rob Holding is struggling with a knee injury.
Ljungberg could be tempted to play three at the back and two wing-backs to add more bodies in defence.
Mesut Ozil is a doubt with a foot injury he picked up against Man City and will face a late fitness test.
Dani Ceballos is still sidelined but Ljungberg will welcome back Granit Xhaka after recovering from a concussion.
The Swiss star could start on the bench following reports he told team-mates he wants to leave the club in January.
Hertha Berlin are ready to offer him an escape route putting an end to a turbulent spell at the Emirates.
Arsenal hoping Mikel Arteta arrival will persuade Aubameyang to sign a new contract with the Gunners
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
