Newcastle United are preparing to face an Arsenal side that is sweating on the fitness of some key players.
While the Newcastle United squad is looking much better now that Anthony Gordon has avoided serious injury, the Gunners have been without Martin Odegaard for the majority of the season.
The Norwegian playmaker has only been fit enough to make three appearances for Arsenal, as Mikel Arteta’s side aim to challenge for the Premier League title once again.
That has been much harder without Odegaard, who is arguably their best player alongside Bukayo Saka.
But will the 25-year-old be fit enough to feature at St James’ Park on Saturday? Well, there’s a chance.
Arsenal are not going to be without Odegaard for much longer, but Saturday’s game against Newcastle United might come slightly too soon.
According to Football London, Odegaard is pushing to feature against Newcastle on Saturday, as he closes in on a return from an ankle injury.
However, Football London add that Odegaard’s comeback will more likely be against Inter Milan in the Champions League on November 6th. Arsenal are keen not to rush their captain back too soon and risk a setback.
But while Odegaard might still miss the Newcastle game, Football London report that Gabriel Maghalaes should be available to face the Magpies.
After coming off during the 2-2 draw with Liverpool, the Brazilian centre-back actually could have featured in the Carabao Cup win over Preston. However, Arteta decided to rest him.
As for Newcastle, the major concern going into Saturday’s game against Arsenal is Jacob Murphy.
He missed Newcastle’s 2-0 win over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup due to hamstring problem, but Eddie Howe has insisted that it is not a serious injury.
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That will hopefully result in Murphy being part of the squad on Saturday.
Newcastle will be without Callum Wilson this weekend. Howe stated ahead of the Premier League clash with Chelsea that the number nine would miss the next three games, which includes the Arsenal fixture. Hopefully he does not miss any more minutes and is fit to return against Nottingham Forest.
Kieran Trippier is also not due to return yet, with the 34-year-old out of action with a hamstring issue.
Elsewhere, Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles are still long-term absentees, while Matt Targett’s unexplained absence continues.