Follow every kick as Arsenal take on Everton at Emirates Stadium in the Premier League
on 09-Jan-2010, kick off time 15:00
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Title-chasing Arsenal will once again be without a host of players including talismanic midfielder and captain Cesc Fabregas when Everton visit the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
The influential Spaniard has been struggling with a hamstring injury since last month's 3-0 win against Aston Villa. Gael Clichy should be able to return to training next week but will miss the game against David Moyes' side with a back problem while Nicklas Bendtner (groin) remains sidelined. However, the 21-year-old Dane, who has not played since October because of a hernia problem which required surgery, hopes to be able to return to action against Bolton Wanderers next weekend. Robin van Persie could miss the rest of the campaign with damaged ankle ligaments while Denilson comes in for Alex Song who is on African Cup of Nations duty with Cameroon this month.
Theo Walcott is currently sidelined with a rib problem while Kieran Gibbs is unlikely to return to action until March at the earliest after enduring surgery on an ankle injury. Johan Djourou suffered a knee injury while on international duty in August and is unlikely to return to action this season. However, if one team has endured more injury woe than the Gunners this season, then it must surely be Everton. Moyes has had to cope with a raft of injuries throughout the season as he attempts to guide the Toffees to a successful campaign both domestically and in the Europa League.
Mikel Arteta, Phil Jagielka and Victor Anichebe are still struggling with knee injuries while fellow first-team players Jack Rodwell, Dan Gosling and Sylvain Distin are out with hamstring concerns. To add to Moyes' problems, Tony Hibbert is struggling with a groin injury and Jo has been suspended by the club after returning to Brazil without permission.
In addition, Yakubu and Joseph Yobo are currently representing Nigeria at the African Cup of Nations. Last season in north London, the Gunners beat Everton 3-1 thanks to second-half goals by Samir Nasri, Walcott and van Persie. Leon Osman had earlier given the visitors the lead.
Source: DSG
