Leandro Trossard of Arsenal receives medical treatment at Liverpool
Leandro Trossard of Arsenal receives medical treatment at Liverpool
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is facing something of an injury crisis for Sunday's huge Premier League showdown with Newcastle United. The two sides go head-to-head at the Emirates with second place on the line, with Eddie Howe knowing that a win would all-but secure Champions League football next season.
United emerged as the key winners of the weekend thanks to their 2-0 victory over Chelsea at St James' Park, and head to North London full of confidence. They have already recorded a famous 2-0 win at the Emirates, of course, with their Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg victory one of the high points of a season littered with big results.
But Arsenal boss Arteta has serious issues on the injury front, particularly when it comes to his front men. Already without long-term absentees Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz, the Gunnners head coach saw stand-in striker Mikel Merino sent off in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool on Sunday, with the former Newcastle man now suspended.
Leandro Trossard has led the line on occasions, but the Belgian winger was also forced off with what appeared to be a hamstring problem at Anfield. He joins England midfielder Declan Rice as a major doubt for Sunday's game, with Arteta saying of Rice: "I think he is struggling, it does not look good."
At the back, key defender Gabriel is not expected to play again this season after undergoing surgery last month, while Jurrien Timber was not considered ready to play despite being named on the bench at Liverpool. Japan international Takehiro Tomiyasu will also not feature as he recovers from a long-term knee issue.
Italian midfielder Jorginho was named on the bench against PSG but was not involved at Anfield and could hae played his last game for the club, with the experienced star expected to leave in the summer.
Newcastle are not without their injury issues too, of course, with Kieran Trippier, Joe Willock, Joelinton all doubts for the remaining fixtures, while Lewis Hall will not return until pre-season. The club are currently monitoring Sven Botman's knee after he reported discomfort durring the win over Chelsea.