Arsenalvs.Newcastle

The teenager made Gunners history with the opening goal in Saturday's 1-1 Premier League draw with Brighton & Hove Albion before being taken off at half time, which was originally thought to have been a precautionary change given that he was on a yellow card.

However, Arteta confirmed at full time that Nwaneri had picked up a muscular injury, and while it is still not known how serious his problem is, the tight turnaround means that he is highly unlikely to be ready even if it is minor.

The same can be said of Kai Havertz, who has missed the Gunners' last two games due to illness, while Bukayo Saka (hamstring), Raheem Sterling (knee), Ben White (knee) and Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee) are still sidelined too.

Nwaneri's blow will likely be Gabriel Martinelli's gain, as the Brazil international should replace the 17-year-old on the right-hand side of the attacking trident, which will also comprise Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard.

On a brighter note, Jurrien Timber is back from a ban, and the Dutchman's return will allow Thomas Partey to revert to his familiar midfield role with Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard - only a substitute at the Amex - either side of him.

Timber's reintroduction could be one of two defensive alterations from Arteta, who might see fit to introduce the refreshed Myles Lewis-Skelly over Riccardo Calafiori, but William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes should shield David Raya as ever.

Arsenal possible starting lineup:

Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Martinelli, Jesus, Trossard

Written by

Ben Knapton