Eddie Howe has confirmed that Kieran Trippier is set to miss Newcastle United's trip to Arsenal on Sunday - but there is a slight chance that Joe Willock and Sven Botman could be involved.
Trippier sat out of last Sunday's 2-0 win against Chelsea due to a calf injury and he won't be fit enough to feature in North London. He will remain on the sidelines alongside Joelinton, who has a knee problem.
Botman suffered a knock to his knee against Chelsea but could be available to face Arsenal, while Joe Willock is facing a race against time to be fit after sustaining a minor muscle issue.
"It was a knock, he got a bang on his knee," said Howe, when asked about Botman. "We're not sure about Sven's availability for the weekend but we'll give him a chance to be fit.
"We don't think it's a serious injury. He's been unlucky. You're going to get knocks and bruises in his position and this is a similar thing, he's been really unlucky on the last two occasions."
On Trippier and Willock, Howe added: "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."
The Magpies travel down to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday looking to all-but confirm their place in next season's Champions League. Howe's team know that a win at Arsenal would propel them above their opponents into second, and it could guarantee a top-five spot.
With Chelsea, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa in action before Newcastle, the Toon Army are going to be aware of the points they need to secure a Champions League ahead of kick-off.
When asked about the race for the top-five, Howe said: "No, it's not done [the race for the top five], and I think the picture can change game to game.
"We need to be really focused on our next game and try and win it, which we will do and we have done this week, I think the preparation's been good, the focus has been there from the players.
"I think the the outside noise will always be swayed by how you've done and it's positive - but nothing's achieved until it's achieved, so we have to be really single-minded in that and not getting distracted."