Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhães has emerged as an early doubt for Sunday’s game at St James’ Park after he was substituted with an injury in last night’s 3-1 win over Chelsea.
The Brazilian had gone down a number of times during the match before he was eventually brought off by Mikel Arteta in the 85th minute. After the game, the Spaniard admitted it was not like him to be unable to continue, leaving him a ‘doubt’ for this weekend’s game.
This means they could now travel to the North East without their two starting centre-backs, as William Saliba is still struggling with a back injury and unlikely to be fit in time.
Eddie Howe will be hoping to see a similar performance to that of last season’s fixture, where we dominated the game and ended Arsenal’s top four hopes with an electric display at St James’ Park.
With the possibility of facing a defensive partnership of Rob Holding and Jakub Kwiwor, it will be interesting to see whether Callum Wilson returns to the side or if Howe sticks with Isak up top. Personally, I can see both starting.
Here’s what Arteta told Sky Sports after last night’s win at the Emirates; which may have come at a cost:
I love Arsenal.
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