Arsenal could have Bukayo Saka available again for their Premier League clash with Newcastle United this evening. Saka has not featured since the Carabao Cup defeat to Manchester City last month due to an Achilles injury, sitting out the last five games while his side surrendered their lead at the top. But Mikel Arteta confirmed on Friday that his winger could make the squad for the visit of Eddie Howe’s side.
Arsenal injury update
Arsenal have also been without their first-choice full-backs as of late. Jurrien Timber has not played since coming off in the win over Everton in March due to a groin injury. Riccardo Calafiori has also sat out in recent weeks with Piero Hincapie deputising on the left. Calafiori is set to return to the squad this evening but Timber will once again not be involved. Arsenal’s injury woes have cleared up over the last 10 days with Mikel Merino their only remaining absentee.
Newcastle team news
Newcastle will be without two key players, both on Arsenal’s radar ahead of the summer transfer window. Anthony Gordon missed last week’s defeat to Bournemouth with a hip injury which rules him out again tonight. Tino Livramento was forced off in that game with a groin injury that could end his season. Joelinton will serve a two-match suspension after picking up his 10th booking of the season.
Predicted Arsenal XI
Arteta will want to get Saka back in the team as soon as possible. But with a huge Champions League semi-final with Atletico Madrid looming next week, the Gunners boss might be tempted to ease the England international back in with Noni Madueke available to start. The roles of Eberechi Eze and Martin Odegaard enabled Arsenal to play with more attacking verve against Manchester City, creating plenty more than we have been accustomed to seeing from them in recent weeks and months. With goal difference potentially a factor in where the title ends up, Arteta will surely let them off the leash again and go for Newcastle in a similar way.
How to watch Arsenal vs Newcastle
Arsenal vs Newcastle kicks off at 5:30pm tonight. You can watch the match live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event with streaming also available through the Sky Go app and NOW TV for subscribers. You can also follow all the action with Metro’s LIVE blog.
