Arsenal beat Everton in Premier League action on Saturday but it was not the perfect afternoon as one key player appeared to suffer an injury

Mikel Arteta has admitted that Riccardo Calafiori suffered a "slight issue" late into the Premier League win over Everton. The Italian was named on the bench and came on at the hour-mark but was struggling in the final stages.

He ended the game on the wing which forced Noni Madueke to play at left-back. At the final whistle, Calafiori headed straight down the tunnel after appearing in some discomfort.

Speaking after the game, Arteta said: "Yeah I wasn’t that mad to change those two from their positions. It was because he [Calafiori] had a slight issue, we don't know what it is, it seems to be something very small, but he was cautious about it."

It is unclear exactly what issue caused Calafiori to be in pain but he did take a hefty hit to the ribs during one challenge. Calafiori looked set to start a third game in one week following comments from Arteta in his Friday press conference.

When asked if he could play again from the off, Arteta said: "Yeah, he's ready. I think Ricci is in a different place because he had a full pre-season as well. And he's been available for every match. And Piero, he's trained with us and is available for tomorrow as well."

Though Piero Hincapie was back, it was Myles Lewis-Skelly that was in the back four. He was later replaced by Calafiori midway through the second half but his cameo ended concerningly.

Make sure you never miss the latest Arsenal news and opinion by making Football London one of your Google preferred sources.

Earlier in the clash, it looked as though a different defender had suffered an issue with Gabriel Magalhaes appearing to jar his knee. He received treatment and was captured clutching at his groin and hamstring but was able to continue.

Just minutes later, the Brazilian doubled Arsenal's lead after a great cross into the back post by Ben White. Arteta said of that situation: "We all [thought he would have to come off] by the reaction of his team-mates. It was a really worrying action. We know Gabi and how tough and strong he is - and he seems to be OK."

Fellow centre-back Ezri Konsa had earlier put the Gunners in front, finishing from close-range after a corner caused chaos. Arteta made a number of changes to his starting XI with Kai Havertz and Bruno Guimaraes making way for Mikel Merino and Viktor Gyokeres.

The latter assisted Declan Rice's goal against Bayern Munich in the Champions League off the bench and was credited with getting the final touch before Konsa's strike.

Arteta will have the chance to rotate more for his side's next game as they face Fleetwood Town in Carabao Cup fourth round action.

Before the November international break, the Gunners then face Liverpool and Hull City in the Premier League with a trip to Slavia Prague in the Champions League between those domestic outings.