Team News: Granit Xhaka starts for Arsenal against Everton, Aubameyang dropped

Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has returned to the starting lineup for Monday's Premier League clash with Everton at Goodison Park.

The Switzerland international was initially expected to be out until the New Year with a serious knee injury but returns ahead of schedule having made excellent progress in his recovery.

Xhaka partners Thomas Partey in the midfield as Albert Sambi Lokonga and Mohamed Elneny both make the bench, while Kieran Tierney returns at left-back over Nuno Tavares.

Emile Smith Rowe was doubtful before the game due to muscular fatigue and is not involved tonight, with Gabriel Martinelli starting on the left and Martin Odegaard in the hole.

Bukayo Saka returns to the right-hand side as expected, but Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is dropped amid his barren run, with Alexandre Lacazette leading the line.

Arsenal starting lineup: Ramsdale; Tomiyasu, White, Gabriel, Tierney; Xhaka, Partey; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Lacazette