Newcastle United are still searching for their first win of the season as they make the trip to Arsenal on Saturday.
The Magpies sit bottom of the Premier League with just six points from their opening 12 matches.
They do, however, have cause for optimism after Eddie Howe’s opening fixtures in charge of Newcastle, where an exciting attacking performance earned a 3-3 draw with Brentford.
Meanwhile, opponents Arsenal will be looking to bounce back from the disappointment of last weekend’s heavy 4-0 defeat to Liverpool.
The Gunners had started to build some momentum with an eight-match unbeaten run until their recent trip to Anfield.
With that in mind, here is a look at the current state of play in Arsenal’s treatment room ahead of Saturday’s encounter.
Granit Xhaka – knee
Midfielder Granit Xhaka will definitely miss the fixture at the Emirates Stadium as he continues his recovery from a knee injury.
Xhaka suffered medial collateral ligament damage in the 3-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in September and has not been seen since.
What Arteta has said (Nov 18): “Granit is now running outside with the current aim to be back in full training in January.
Sead Kolasinac – ankle
Defender Sead Kolasinac is Arsenal’s only other confirmed absentee after sustaining a relatively serious ankle injury while away with Bosnia.
Kolasinac, though, isn’t really a major part of Arteta’s first-choice squad.
What Arteta has said (Nov 18): “Sead sustained a significant injury to his ankle playing for Bosnia. He is now starting rehab back in the UK and continues to be assessed.”
