Newcastle United travel to Arsenal in their penultimate game of the 2024-25 Premier League season.
The Magpies head to the Emirates aiming for a victory that will confirm Champions League qualification and see them climb to second in the Premier League table ahead of the final day clash against Everton at St James’ Park.
Securing a place in Europe’s premier competition would be the second time United have done so in three seasons, while they last finished as top-flight runners-up in 1996-97. If Eddie Howe’s side are to achieve one or both feats, they may to get over the line without some key players.
Four Newcastle United players ruled out against Arsenal
Joelinton will almost certainly miss the remaining two games of the season due to an ongoing knee issue.
The Brazilian hasn’t featured since the 4-1 defeat at Aston Villa last month and while Howe has always maintained it was unlikely he’d return before next season, he never ruled it out - until now.
Speaking at his pre-Arsenal press conference, Howe said: “He's working away behind the scenes. He's typical Joe. He's absolutely foot to the floor to try and get back fit because that's his nature. He wants to be involved, but he's not close yet. He's still working his way back.
“I think the biggest possibility is that we don't see him again this season, then we get him ready for next year.”
Howe also confirmed Kieran Trippier will miss a second consecutive game due to a minor calf issue while left-backs Lewis Hall (foot) and Matt Targett (hamstring) are also sidelined.
Two Newcastle United players ‘touch and go’
Sven Botman made his first start for three months in last Sunday’s 2-0 win over Chelsea before being withdrawn in the 55th minute after icing a knee problem at half-time.
Given Botman’s recent history with knee injuries, Newcastle supporters had feared another lengthy spell on the sidelines but according to Howe, it is only a knock. It could, however, be enough to rule the Dutchman out of the visit to the Emirates.
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Howe said: “It was a knock actually, so I think he sort of got a bang on his knee. But it was sore. We're not sure about Sven's availability for the weekend. We give him every chance to be fit. Don't think it's a serious injury.
“I think he's been unlucky. The ACL was the ACL, obviously. I think the first injury he had came from a knock as well, which ended up being a really minor operation.
“But you're going to get knocks and bangs and bruises in the position that he plays. This is a similar type of thing. I think he's just been really unlucky on the last two occasions.”
The former Arsenal midfielder missed last weekend due to a knee issue but Howe revealed “there's a slight chance” he’ll return for the visit of his former club. If the training pictures are anything to go by, then Willock just might make the cut.
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