Alexander Isak misses out at Arsenal because of a groin issue (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA)
NEWCASTLE UNITED have been dealt a major blow ahead of this afternoon's game at Arsenal, with Alexander Isak unavailable.
Isak misses out as Newcastle look to claim the victory that would guarantee them a place in next season's Champions League.
The Swede is absent from the Emirates because of a minor groin injury, with Callum Wilson taking his place in the starting line-up.
Wilson will lead the line as he makes his first start since February's defeat to Liverpool at Anfield, which was also the last time Isak was absent from the starting XI.
The change of striker is the only alteration to Newcastle's starting line-up, with Sven Botman having been passed fit to continue at centre-half.
Botman was substituted during last weekend's win over Chelsea after complaining of pain in his knee, and was not able to take part in full training at the start of last week.
However, the Dutch defender has been given the green light to continue in the starting line-up at the Emirates, which will mean Eddie Howe continuing with three centre-halves.
Botman will play alongside Fabian Schar and Dan Burn, with Jacob Murphy and Tino Livramento continuing in the wing-back berths.
ARSENAL (4-2-3-1): Raya; White, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Rice, Partey; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Trossard.
Subs: Neto (gk), Tierney, Zinchenko, Calafiori, Jorginho, Henry-Francis, Sterling, Nwaneri, Havertz.
NEWCASTLE (3-4-3): Pope; Schar, Botman, Burn; Murphy, Tonali, Guimaraes, Livramento; Barnes, Wilson, Gordon.
Subs: Dubravka (gk), Ruddy (gk), Lascelles, Krafth, Longstaff, Miley, Neave, Willock, Osula.