Mikel Arteta is hopeful that Martin Odegaard will return for Arsenal against Newcastle this weekend.
The Gunners skipper has missed the last three games across all competitions after aggravating a shoulder injury during the win over Nottingham Forest two weeks ago.
Odegaard first picked up the problem last month after landing awkwardly on his right shoulder during the 5-0 win over Leeds in the Premier League.
He returned a week later and was able to start for Norway during the international break earlier this month.
Arteta said on Tuesday that Odegaard was once more close to a return ahead of a trip to St James’ Park this Sunday.
And speaking on Friday, he said: “Martin will be training with us the next two days, so hopefully he will be available for the game.”
Bukayo Saka is set to start his first Premier League match since last month after returning from a hamstring injury.
The winger made his comeback last weekend when he came off the bench for the second half of Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City.
Saka then started at Port Vale in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night, when Arsenal won 2-0, and came through an hour unscathed.
“Nothing to report there,” Arteta said on Saka. “I think he played the games we anticipated. He feels good. He will be training the next two days.”
Earlier this week, Arsenal were rocked by the news that Noni Madueke is facing six to eight weeks out with a knee injury suffered against City.
Fellow summer signing Piero Hincapie is dealing with a groin issue, joining Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus on the sidelines.
More to follow
