Arteta Previews Everton Clash: Positive Updates on Gabriel & Havertz, White Ruled Out, Reflections on Six Years at Arsenal

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta addressed the media on Friday ahead of Saturday’s Premier League fixture against Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, providing encouraging fitness updates on key players and reflecting on his six-year tenure at the club, which reaches its anniversary on December 20, 2025.

Arteta confirmed a fresh blow with defender Ben White ruled out due to a hamstring injury sustained in the recent win over Wolves.

“Yeah, he’s out,” Arteta said, noting that White had been building momentum after a previous knee issue but now faces time on the sidelines.

Brighter news emerged for Gabriel Magalhaes and Kai Havertz:
On Gabriel (thigh injury from international duty): “He’s pushing hard as he always does every time he’s out and he’s evolving really well, he’s doing pitch sessions so he’s not too far. We have to see how he progresses in the last stages of that rehab but we are quite positive about it.”

On Havertz (knee issue): “He’s progressing really well and quite fast in the last few weeks.”

Arteta expressed optimism that both could feature soon amid a demanding festive schedule.

The Gunners continue to navigate an injury-hit season, with other absentees including William Saliba, Cristhian Mosquera, and Leandro Trossard in various stages of recovery.

With the Everton match marking nearly six years since his appointment on December 20, 2019, Arteta was asked about his achievements and the club’s transformation.

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He highlighted changing the culture as one of his proudest accomplishments: “It was one of them.”

On his time at Everton as a player (2005-2011), Arteta spoke fondly: “The human quality and then how deep the feeling is towards the club… That’s not easy and that makes them really special.”

He also praised former Everton manager David Moyes for teaching him “the love that he’s got for the game and then integrity that the game requires at any cost.”

Arteta emphasised sustained energy and improvement: “The best is yet to come.”
Arsenal head into the game looking to bounce back on the road after recent away struggles, with Arteta stressing the need to impose their style against a resilient Everton side.

Mikel Arteta during Friday’s press conference

By Ogungbayi Beedee Adeyemi
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