Arsenal face a tough test in their away trip to Newcastle United, and the home side may have been handed a key injury boost.
Newcastle have failed to win their last two Premier League games, but did knock Chelsea out of the EFL Cup in midweek.
The game saw striker Alexander Isak start and score, whilst Anthony Gordon returned to the lineup after missing Newcastle’s league encounter on the previous weekend.
Both players were substituted during the game, raising fresh doubt over whether they would be available against Arsenal, and Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has now given an update on the attacking pair.
Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon doubtful for Newcastle vs Arsenal
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Howe revealed that both Isak and Gordon had suffered problems, which will need to be assessed to see if they will be available to face Arsenal.
“They both feel OK, we will assess how they feel today, 48 hours after the game,” he stated.
“They have both had niggling injuries so we’ll make a decision today. We need to make sure whoever enters the pitch against Arsenal is in the best physical condition.”
Isak and Gordon are key attacking threats for Newcastle, and Mikel Arteta is certainly aware of the quality they possess.
Arsenal previously linked with Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak
Arsenal were linked with moves for Gordon and Isak over the summer. Neither player departed, with Newcastle putting high price tags on two of their prize assets.
Gordon eventually signed a new deal to keep him at Newcastle, but it recently emerged that Isak could still be a target for Arsenal next summer.
Isak would likely come with a price tag of over £100m, but Arteta is a keen admirer, with Isak also playing alongside Mikel Merino and Martin Odegaard at Real Sociedad.
Arsenal will get a very close look at the pair at St James’ Park, but they will hope they leave with neither player making an attacking impact against David Raya in goal.
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