Mikel Arteta is about to fall right into David Moyes’ trap as he shares Arsenal plan ahead of Everton visit

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Everton will empathise with Arsenal’s injury issues they are carrying into the game on Saturday.

It has been the story of Everton’s season, with numerous important players sustaining injuries throughout the campaign.

Iliman Ndiaye and Dwight McNeil have now returned for David Moyes ahead of the game on Saturday.

However, Everton will be without Jesper Lindstrom who is set to visit a specialist to assess the groin injury he has recently sustained.

On Tuesday night, Arsenal also picked up some injuries of their own with two of their starting defenders being withdrawn.

First-choice centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes will miss the remainder of the season, which could force Mikel Arteta to get creative with his starting XI.

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Arsenal could deploy Declan Rice at centre-back vs Everton

Unlike Arsenal, Everton have an abundance of centre-backs with Jake O’Brien flourishing at right-back due to the competition in the middle.

However, Arsenal have a number of their options out through injury now.

Speaking on Friday, Arteta admitted he could even be forced to deploy Declan Rice at centre-back against the Toffees.

“We would for sure. We tried against PSV away last season and he’s played in that position and hopefully it won’t be needed,” said Arteta.

“But if it is, he’s a player who is capable of doing that.”

Arteta has admitted Everton is a bigger game than Real Madrid currently as he refuses to look too far ahead.

But he must have one eye on what seems to be his final chance at lifting a trophy this season in the Champions League.

• READ MORE: Ange Postecoglou issues ‘crazy’ Everton verdict as he unleashes scathing rant after Tottenham loss

David Moyes knows exactly how Rice can play in defence

If there is one man who knows exactly how to play against Rice it is Moyes.

The 26-year-old midfielder has played under Moyes (179 games) more than any other manager in his career.

And a number of those games came from the centre-back position during his time at the London Stadium.

Beto embarrassed Virgil van Dijk on Wednesday night and Moyes will surely be looking for his striker to do the same to another big name on Saturday.

Rice may well be one of the best midfielders in the league, but at centre-back, Beto must be licking his lips.