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Arsenal have received an early boost ahead of Saturday evening’s Premier League clash with Newcastle, with England winger Anthony Gordon emerging as a major fitness doubt for the trip to the Emirates Stadium.
The 24-year-old, who remains firmly on Arsenal’s summer transfer radar, is nursing a hip issue that has kept him sidelined since Newcastle’s 2-1 defeat at Crystal Palace. Gordon also missed the Magpies’ 2-1 home loss to Bournemouth last weekend.
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According to the Daily Mail, doubts have now emerged over the winger’s availability for this weekend’s encounter, dealing Eddie Howe a potential selection headache.
Howe demands total commitment
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has made his position clear on players linked with moves away from St. James’ Park, stating he wouldn’t field anyone not “100 per cent committed” to the club.
“After I had the chat with Sandro [Tonali], the biggest thing I look for is the commitment to training,” Howe explained. “That will be the same with Anthony [Gordon] and every player. I won’t play a player if I don’t think they are 100% committed to the club and its future.”
Newcastle will also be without another Arsenal target, with full-back Tino Livramento ruled out due to a muscle issue sustained against Bournemouth. The defender requires further tests to determine the extent of the problem.
Arsenal’s own injury concerns
While Arsenal benefit from Newcastle’s absentees, Mikel Arteta faces his own fitness challenges ahead of the crucial encounter. The Gunners are hopeful of welcoming back star winger Bukayo Saka, who has been missing since before the international break with an achilles issue.
Full-backs Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori are also edging closer to returns after missing Sunday’s 2-1 defeat at Manchester City. Calafiori sustained a knock in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Sporting CP, while Timber has been sidelined with a groin problem picked up in the 2-0 win over Everton.
Attacking midfielder Mikel Merino remains the longest-term absentee, continuing his recovery from foot surgery with hopes of returning before the season’s end.
The timing couldn’t be more significant for Arsenal, who could find themselves second in the table by kick-off if Manchester City beat Burnley by more than two goals on Friday night. With the title race intensifying, every available player will be crucial as the Gunners look to maintain their pursuit of Premier League glory.