Arsenal suffer major setback ahead of Everton clash with player ruled out through injury

Arsenal star Emile Smith-Rowe has been ruled out of the club’s Premier League clash with Everton.

The Gunners will be hoping to return to winning ways when they take on Sean Dyche’s Everton on Sunday.

Mikel Arteta’s side are currently at the Premier League summit, some five points clear of last season's champions Manchester City, with a game in hand. However, in their last outing Arsenal narrowly lost to City in the FA Cup.

Yet there are 18 places and 35 points between the Gunners and their opposition. Everton are in the middle of a four-game losing run that cost Frank Lampard his job.

However, Dyche has received a boost for his first game in charge of the Toffees, with Arsenal star Smith Rowe not deemed fit enough to feature.

Mikel Arteta on Emile Smith Rowe

Arteta confirmed Smith Rowe would not be fit to face Everton at Goodison Park.

The 22-year-old only made his return from groin surgery last month but has since suffered a minor setback in his recovery.

On whether Smith Rowe will be available, Arteta said: “Not yet.”

Meanwhile, Arteta said the club were yet to decide whether Thomas Partey would be involved.

The Ghana international was substituted at half-time of the club’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester City with a rib issue.

When asked about Partey, Arteta said: “Let’s see, that one is still a doubt.

“Let’s see today how he comes in and if he’s able to train with the team today or not and then we’ll make a decision.

“He’s not ruled out and it’s nothing very significant but it was significant enough to get him out of the game [at the Etihad] which for Thomas is a bit unusual. Hopefully, he will be fine.”