Everything we know about 'bombshell' James Tarkowski absence for Everton clash vs Arsenal

Everton supporters were rocked when James Tarkowski was not named in the squad for their clash with Arsenal on Saturday.

Neither Tarkowski or Jarrad Branthwaite will feature against the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium on 14 March in what the Liverpool Echo described as "bombshell team news".

The latter was not involved in the training camp in Portugal, but the former's exclusion is a hugely surprising development.

Everton will hope to continue their European push, but it may be a difficult ask given that they are without their starting centre-back pairing.

What did Moyes say about Tarkowski absence?

Moyes opened up about Tarkowski and Branthwaite's absence in his pre-match media duties.

Speaking before kick-off, he said: “We’re missing two centre-halves today but we’ve also got two who have done really well. It shouldn’t make too much difference, hopefully.”

The fact that the former Burnley man is out will a huge blow for Moyes' side, given his experience and how he has performed this season.

What has happened to Tarkowski?

Reports have suggested that Tarkowski picked up an injury in training, and that is what has kept him out of the contest.

It has not been confirmed what type of issue that is or how long the veteran defender will be on the sidelines for.

Moyes will hope that it is not too long.

What can Everton fans expect from Arsenal game?

The last time that Everton played with a Jake O'Brien and Michael Keane partnership in the backline was the 1-0 win over Newcastle last May.

Carlos Alcaraz scored the only goal in that victory at St James' Park, and the Blues will be looking to repeat that performance in North London this time around.

It will be a tough ask, given that the Gunners are trying to win the Premier League, and trying to put distance on Manchester City, before their game with West Ham later this evening.

Keane and O'Brien are very capable on their day, but they will need to have a very strong showing if the Toffees are to come away with anything from this game.

The Blues will be confident that they can take something, having won four and drawn two in their last six away matches.