Arteta to watch on from the stands against Everton

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal return has not come soon enough for him to take charge of the game against Everton.

Sean Dean of The Telegraph reports that the Spaniard will be watching on from the stands against his former side.

Arteta’s return to the club comes roughly three weeks after Unai Emery was sacked by the Gunners.

The incoming Arsenal manager is expected to speak to the media later today after officially being unveiled at the Emirates.

Ironically, Carlo Ancelotti is also expected to join Arteta in the stands with the Italian poised to take over at Everton after being snubbed by the Gunners.

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Arteta will have little to no time with the squad on the training ground before the meeting with Everton, so this makes sense. Ljungberg’s time in charge may not have gone to plan, but there’s not much Arteta could do during such a short time frame.

The game will also give Arteta the added opportunity of seeing his new team live in the flesh and perhaps a view from the stands will highlight more key areas that he’ll be aiming to improve.

Arteta will be fully aware of the size of the job he has on his hands and the game against a resurgent Everton side under Duncan Ferguson will be a good test for some of the players to make a case to their new manager.