(4-2-3-1): Gabriel, Saliba and Calafiori returns- Arsenal predicted lineups as Arteta vows to change from defensive and Mourinho-like tactics that has caused more damage to Arsenal than good
A chance to pile the pressure on their Premier League title rivals awaits Arsenal on Saturday lunchtime, when they kick off the top-flight weekend away to Newcastle United.
Mikel Arteta’s men are already five points adrift of Manchester City in the top-flight standings owing to last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool, where they let a 2-0 lead slip on two occasions.
However, the Gunners made light work of Preston North End in the EFL Cup on Wednesday night, easing to a 3-0 success to set up a quarter-final showdown with Crystal Palace.
Here, Sports Mole rounds up all of Arsenal’s latest injury and suspension news ahead of their clash with the Magpies, who also advanced to the last eight of the EFL Cup courtesy of a 2-0 beating of Chelsea.
Ben White
Status: Minor doubt
Type of injury: Unspecified
Possible return date: November 2 (vs. Newcastle)
Ben White was not involved in the squad on Wednesday evening, and Arteta revealed after the win over Preston that he was “struggling” after the Liverpool draw, but it is unlikely that his issue is serious enough to keep him out of this one.
Gabriel Magalhaes
Status: Major doubt
Type of injury: Knee
Possible return date: November 2 (vs. Newcastle)
On the other hand, Gabriel Magalhaes is more of a worry with the knee issue he sustained in the Liverpool draw; Arteta is hopeful that he has avoided a severe concern, but he is a major doubt for this one nonetheless.
Riccardo Calafiori
Status: Out
Type of injury: Ankle
Possible return date: November 10 (vs. Chelsea)
Martin Odegaard should soon enter the last stages of his recovery from an ankle injury, and there is optimism that he will be back before the international break, but Saturday’s game comes too soon.
