Mikel Arteta has issued an update on the availability of FOUR Arsenal players ahead of their trip to St James’ Park this weekend.
Starting with the ‘bad news’ from a Newcastle perspective, the Spaniard confirmed that Gabriel will be in the squad to face if he makes it through today’s training session unscathed, suggesting he’s overcome a knee issue that forced him off in their 2-2 draw with Liverpool last Sunday.
This should see the Gunners return to the usual centre-back partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel, with the former back from a one-game ban that kept him out of last weekend’s game.
However, Arteta has revealed that the game will come too soon for key creator Martin Ødegaard, despite reports suggesting the Norwegian was back in training and in contention.
Elsewhere, Ben White is a doubt after failing to train and summer signing Riccardo Calafiori has been ruled out, leaving them light of options either side of Gabriel and Saliba. Should White miss out, we could see Thomas Partey continue at right-back after the Ghanaian was forced to fill in at full-back against Liverpool.
Another one to watch may be Mikel Merino, who will be hoping to retain his place in midfield after the former Mag started their last two in the league.
Potential Arsenal XI: Raya – Partey, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber – Rice, Merino, Trossard – Saka, Havertz, Martinelli.