Arsenal take on Newcastle United tonight in an important Premier League clash at the Emirates, but which 3 players will NOT be back in time for the Gunners?
The Gunners will be looking to move within just 2 points of Premier League table toppers Liverpool tonight when they take on Newcastle United at home the Emirates.
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Arsenal are coming off the back a European defeat to Porto in the Champions League on Wednesday – a game in which they failed to register a single shot on goal.
And Mikel Arteta’s trouble may be ahead of him as well as behind, with a host of injuries keeping first team players from his disposal.
Going into tonight’s matchup with Newcastle, there are 3 Arsenal players that will not be making a return to the pitch, below we run through them for you.
Gabriel Jesus
Gabriel Jesus has not featured for Arsenal in their 4 games due to a knee injury. He did not make the trip to Porto on Wednesday as a result.
Mike Arteta has said of Jesus’ situation “We could not resolve it as quickly as we wanted and he had a small reaction in training again. We didn’t want to take any more risks because he has been out for quite a while and he is a player that we need at his best. We decided to give him a few more days.”
It is therefore highly unlikely that he will feature in tonight’s bout with Newcastle, with other important fixtures coming up in the Premier League that Arteta will need him at 100% for.
Takehiro Tomiyasu
Tomiyasu is another Arsenal player who did not make the trip to Porto mid-week, sitting out on account of a calf injury.
He has also sat out of training for recent sessions and his expected return date is next month.
Arteta has said that Tomiyasu will require “a little bit more” before making his way back into the squad, meaning he will morel than likely make no appearance in tonight’s match.
Thomas Partey
Thomas Partey was yet another absentee at Arsenal’s midweek clash with Porto.
A thigh injury has kept him out of the squad for several months now, and despite surgery hoping to be avoided, he is not expected to make a return until next month.
Arteta said of Partey’s situation “Let’s see. We have another session today. He’s been out for many, many months now. We need to really nail the timing of when he has enough in the tank to compete. But I think he’s very close.”
When does Arsenal vs Newcastle kickoff?
Arsenal’s highly anticipated Premier League clash with Newcastle United will kick off at 8PM tonight at the Emirates. The match will be broadcast on BT Sport 1 and BT Sport Ultimate.
Man City also have the chance to go within just a single point of Liverpool this afternoon when they take on Bournemouth away at the Vitality Stadium as the Premier League title race continues!
