Arsenal Handed Major Injury Boost As Key Everton Ace Ruled Out Of FA Cup Clash

Arsenal have been handed a major injury boost ahead of this weekends FA Cup quarter final clash against Everton after Roberto Martinez confirmed that Phil Jagielka is unlikely to be fit.

The centre-back was ruled out of Everton’s 1-0 win over West Ham on Saturday and was subsequently left out of England’s friendly with Denmark on Wednesday night after picking up a hamstring injury in training last week.

Speaking ahead of this weekend’s FA Cup clash at the Emirates, Toffees boss Roberto Martinez was asked for an update on his captain’s fitness and the Spaniard confirmed it’s ‘very unlikely’ that the 31-year-old will be available to take on the Gunners on Saturday lunchtime.

“Phil Jagielka is very unlikely but with Phil you never know,” said Martinez.

“If the game was tomorrow he wouldn’t be available but we will see.” Martinez is quoted as saying by the Express.

The loss of Jagielka would come as a huge blow to Everton but offer Arsenal a major boost as the defender has been one of their most consistent performers this season and he’s formed an impressive partnership at the back alongside Sylvain Distin this year.

Should the England defender be ruled out, as expected, then youngster John Stone is expected to come in and fill the void at the back as the Merseysiders come to north London looking to beat us in our own back yard to reach the last four of the FA Cup.

We will hear from Arsene Wenger on Friday to see if we’ve got any more injury concerns ahead of the game following this weeks midweek international’s