“Huge boost for Newcastle United” Mikel Arteta provides update on fresh Arsenal injury concern before facing Newcastle, with four players already sidelined.

Newcastle United v Arsenal: Arteta delivers injury update as Ødegaard doubtful for St James’ Park trip

Mikel Arteta will be without several key names when Arsenal travel to Newcastle United on Sunday. The Gunners head to Tyneside sitting second in the Premier League, but depending on Liverpool’s result earlier in the day, they could be as many as eight points off the top before kick-off at 4:30pm.

This fixture has produced plenty of fiery battles and controversies over the years, and another physical contest is expected. Victory for the Magpies would move them to within a point of Arsenal and give them confidence heading into games against Union Saint-Gilloise and Nottingham Forest. For Arteta, the priority is ending a run of three straight defeats at St James’ Park, though he must attempt it without several first-team regulars.

Arsenal’s injury concerns

• Noni Madueke – The summer signing will miss the match after suffering a knee injury against Manchester City. He was withdrawn at half-time and replaced by Bukayo Saka.

• Martin Ødegaard – A major doubt for Sunday. The Arsenal captain has been struggling with fitness in recent weeks. Arteta revealed: “Martin will be training with us the next two days, so hopefully he will be fit.”

• Bukayo Saka – Returned from injury last weekend and came off the bench. Arteta confirmed there are “no issues” with his fitness.

• Piero Hincapié – Another summer arrival, the defender is also expected to sit out. He has yet to make his Premier League debut.

Arteta acknowledged the challenge of facing Eddie Howe’s side in front of a packed St James’ Park:
“I always praise the work that Eddie has done, and the atmosphere they create as well. We know we’re going to have to be much more efficient if we’re going to win there.”