Newcastle United have multiple injury concerns ahead of facing Arsenal.
The Magpies travel to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, but will not arrive in North London with a fully fit squad.
Sven Botman is a doubt to face Arsenal after being forced off against Chelsea, while the likes of Joelinton, Kieran Trippier and Joe Willock missed the win over the Blues completely.
Newcastle United are the walking wounded heading into a massive Premier League encounter, with Eddie Howe knowing that a win will effectively guarantee Champions League qualification.
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Whether Joe Willock will return from injury against Arsenal
Ahead of Newcastle United’s game against Arsenal, Eddie Howe has spoken to the media and provided an injury update on multiple players.
The most positive update involves Willock, who could be back in the squad to face his former club.
“Joe – we’ll leave the door open for him, I think he’s got a slight chance,” Howe said.
Eddie Howe on Kieran Trippier and Joe Willock:
"Kieran I don't think will be fit for this weekend but again it's not a big injury, a very minor calf problem.
Joe – we'll leave the door open for him, I think he's got a slight chance." pic.twitter.com/YUNyG13Jdp
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) May 16, 2025
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The £25million midfielder was absent against Chelsea due to a thigh issue, but could now return.
The injury came at a terrible time for Willock, as he had been enjoying a run in the Newcastle United starting XI due to Joelinton’s absence.
Howe has also stated that Botman has a chance of featuring against Arsenal, admitting that his latest knee problem is not a serious concern.
Kieran Trippier ruled out of Arsenal vs Newcastle United
While Willock and Botman at least have a chance of being involved on Sunday, it is a different story when it comes to Trippier.
The 34-year-old missed the win over Chelsea, and is set to miss the Arsenal game too.
On Trippier, Howe said: “Kieran I don’t think will be fit for this weekend but again it’s not a big injury, a very minor calf problem.”
With Trippier ruled out and Botman not guaranteed to be fit, there is an opportunity for Emil Krafth to come into the side.
The Sweden international feels like the most likely candidate to start, as he can operate at right-back or as a right-sided centre-back. That will then give Howe the option of playing a 3-4-3 system or going back to his trusted 4-3-3 shape. Krafth features in Geordie Boot Boys’ predicted Newcastle XI to face Arsenal.
Eddie Howe on Joelinton:
"He's working away behind the scenes. Typical Joe he's absolutely foot to the floor trying to get fit because he wants to be involved. The biggest possibility is that we don't see him again this season and we'll get him ready for next year." pic.twitter.com/06naO4DO2K
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) May 16, 2025
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Another Newcastle United player who appears set to miss the game against Arsenal is Joelinton.
He has not featured for the Magpies since losing to Aston Villa due to a knee injury, and is at risk of not playing again until next season.