Newcastle United are dealing with a host of injuries ahead of their date with Arsenal this weekend. The Magpies have had a sorry season so far, leaving Eddie Howe under pressure amid the certainty of a season without European football.
Newcastle are all the way down in 14th, and after consistent European qualification and significant spending over recent years, Howe needs no reminding that this season has been a long way below expectations, and he is likely going to have some explaining to do if he wants to keep his job, even having built up plenty of credit in recent years.
Arsenal will be looking to take full advantage this weekend, and they need to if they want to reclaim top spot, even if it is only for now, with City currently leading on goals scored. But Pep Guardiola's men are in FA Cup action this weekend, so they will have a game in hand to play once again.
The Gunners have been in poor form themselves of late, but while they know they are favourites here, they will be well aware of the danger of desperation, with Newcastle in desperate need of a good result.
Although, the North-East side are not helped by a number of injury issues that threaten to make life difficult for them at the Emirates Stadium.
Newcastle have a handful of key players ruled out for Arsenal trip
As things stand, Newcastle have five key players ruled out. Joelinton is suspended after reaching his second yellow card limit, while Tino Livramento is out with injury, and potentially out for the season as he undergoes further testing.
Anthony Gordon is out with a hip injury, and he is not going to be risked, with the Magpies hoping to preserve the end of the season, and indeed the winger's World Cup hopes.
Howe confirmed: “Anthony won’t make the game; he hasn’t trained this week. He won’t be fit in time for this game, but hopefully the next one.”
Elsewhere, Emil Krafth and Fabian Schar were both already ruled out as they continue to work towards return from long-term issues. Those absentees will make things difficult for Newcastle, amd none more than the absence of leading goalscorer Gordon, who has 17 goals across all competitions this season.
Arsenal will be looking to exploit those absences, and they will be boosted by the return of Bukayo Saka, who missed the City game. Arteta confirmed in his own press conference that the winger is 'probably' going to make the squad.
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