Return? Declan Rice could be back in Arsenal’s starting lineup to face Newcastle after missing Liverpool trip through injury
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Kai Havertz could make his first appearance for Arsenal since February when the Gunners host Newcastle on Sunday.
Havertz has returned quicker than expected after injuring his hamstring during Arsenal’s mid-season break in Dubai three months ago.
Mikel Arteta will make a late call on the German’s fitness on Saturday before deciding if he can feature against Newcastle.
“He has done certain parts of the sessions in the past two days,” the Arsenal boss said of Havertz on Friday. “He looks in great shape, but I think it is more a shout of, first of all the medical staff, the doctors, especially, giving the clearances - and then how Kai actually feels to contribute if he is required.
“We know how important Kai is for us. And the fact that he looks in great shape, I think he has improved a lot of metrics that are very important for a striker to give himself the best chance and you see the transformation on him, which has been really impressive.”
Arsenal will definitely be without Mikel Merino on Sunday as he is suspended following his red card against Liverpool last weekend. Gabriel Magalhaes (hamstring), Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee) and Gabriel Jesus (knee) are all set to miss out, too.
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Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber, Jorginho, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard are doubts.
Jorginho, Martinelli, Rice and Trossard did, however, all take part in an opening training session at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.
Arsenal are currently second in the Premier League table but just two points ahead of Newcastle.
Predicted Arsenal XI (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli
Injured: Gabriel (hamstring), Jesus (knee), Tomiyasu (knee)
Doubts: Havertz (hamstring), Jorginho (rib), Martinelli (unknown), Rice (hamstring), Timber (unknown), Trossard (hamstring)
Suspended: Merino
Time and date: 4:30pm BST on Sunday May 18, 2025
Venue: Emirates Stadium, London
Referee: Simon Hooper
How to watch: Sky Sports
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