Arsenal face Newcastle United in a crucial Premier League encounter on Saturday and there are six players who could miss the clash at the Emirates Stadium
Seven players are set to miss Arsenal’s game against Newcastle United on Saturday after Mikel Arteta confirmed some major injury boosts. The Gunners are looking to reignite their Premier League title bid having endured a slump in form in recent weeks which has dented their hopes of winning a first top-flight in 22 years.
Back-to-back losses against Bournemouth and Manchester City have seen the Gunners lose their lead at the top of table, with City now in front on goal difference following a 1-0 win at Burnley on Wednesday.
Arteta’s men, however, can regain top spot with just a draw against Newcastle, though it does feel as though maximum points are a must if they want to claim the title this season.
The Gunners have received a boost to their hopes of picking those up with Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori set for returns to the matchday squad on Saturday.
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Arteta said in his pre-match press conference: “No [issues]. Bukayo is probably going to be in the squad. So good news. He was in great spirits today; you could see that today. Riccardo in the squad as well.”
Unfortunately, there is still no Jurrien Timber with the Dutchman recovering from a muscular issue he suffered against Everton back in March.
Mikel Merino is also rehabbing from the surgery he underwent earlier this year and is making good progress to being back at some point this season.
As for Newcastle, Eddie Howe is poised to be without up to five players for the game. Emil Krafth is confirmed to be ruled out after having surgery on a knee injury in February, while Fabian Schar is still absent after going under the knife following an infection in his foot.
Joelinton is suspended after picking up his 10th yellow card in the defeat to Bournemouth last time out, while Arsenal transfer target Anthony Gordon and Tino Livramento have been ruled out of the game.
Delivering a Gordon update on Friday morning, Howe said: “Anthony won’t make this game. He hasn’t trained this week. Again, not a serious injury, but not in time for this game. Hopefully, the next one.”
Howe also admitted that Livramento will miss the match and also may not feature again this season with the extend of his issue known.
He said: “With Tino, he went for a scan initially. We don’t think it’s a bad injury. We will wait and see whether he will play again this season. He is due to have another scan at the weekend to determine the full extent of his time out.”
