Arsenal may have received an early boost ahead of their Premier League opener against Newcastle United next week, as the Magpies could be without one of their key men for the visit.
Matt Ritchie suffered a hamstring injury during Newcastle's pre-season friendly against Hibernian, causing him to have to sit out the Toon's final friendly against Saint Etienne on Saturday.
Although Ritchie's injury is not seen as one that will keep him out for long, the Scotland international is a major doubt for the clash against the Gunners next week.
The 29-year-old played in all but two of Newcastle's Premier League games last season, scoring two goals and providing eight assists, and manager Steve Bruce has revealed that the player is being assessed as to whether he will be fit enough to take to the field at St James' Park next week.
"He was more positive before than he is today (re Arsenal)," the Newcastle boss told Chronicle Live on Saturday.
"We’ll see how he is in eight days’ time.
"We’ve scanned it, we don’t think it’s too serious but it’s going to be a big shout to be ready for next week."
New arrival Allan Saint-Maximin was also a concern for fans when he required treatment for an injury during the friendly match, but Bruce has assured Newcastle fans that the new signing will be ok to face Arsenal next week.
"Saint Maximin turned his ankle - but he’ll be fine," he said.
