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TOFF SITUATION

How Arsenal will line up vs Everton with Mesut Ozil a doubt, defensive crisis and Granit Xhaka back

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.

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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.

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