Mikel Arteta confirms double Arsenal injury boost ahead of Newcastle game
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed a double injury boost ahead of Saturday’s late Premier League kick-off against Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners have been in sensational form in the top-flight with five straight wins and 21 goals scored.
They had a forgettable Champions League outing in midweek (1-0 defeat) against Porto, but have the opportunity to make amends with another strong performance.
Ahead of the game against the Magpies, Arteta said that Thomas Partey is very close to being available and his availability will be determined by today’s training session.
The Spanish tactician added that Gabriel Jesus has also done a few things on the pitch and the Brazilian will also be assessed ahead of the league meeting tomorrow.
He told Arsenal.com: “We have another session today and obviously he’s been out for many, many months now and we need to really nail the timing and when he has enough in the tank to compete, but I think he’s very close. It’s the same with Gabby [Jesus] as well, he’s done a few things.”
When pressed further on other players, the manager said that Oleksandr Zinchenko is ‘not far at all’ but Takehiro Tomiyasu still needs ‘a little bit more time’ to return.
Arteta also acknowledged that Jurrien Timber could have a part to play in the season run-in. He is due to take part in some training sessions over the next week or so.
Arsenal had a dismal outing on Wednesday night in Porto. They failed to register a shot on target for the first time in two years and were poor with their decision-making.
The Gunners were lucky not to concede to Porto in the opening half, but conceded right at the end from a stunning long-range strike from Brazilian winger Galeno.
They have the opportunity to turn around the deficit in the second leg of the round of 16 tie next month.
Until then, the concentration will be fully on the league campaign where they must continue winning to keep up with Liverpool and Manchester City in the title race.
The club are currently five points adrift of the Reds with a game in hand. They have the chance to reduce the deficit to two with a six consecutive win in the top-flight.
It won’t be an easy challenge against the Magpies, who have beaten them twice in the last four outings, but the Gunners should be able to breach their vulnerable defence.
If Jesus is deemed fit, we won’t be surprised if he makes the XI. The €70 million-rated star registered a goal and assist in the win at Nottingham Forest before his knee issue.
Partey, who is currently valued at €25m by Transfermarkt, could be handled with extra caution, considering he has been out of action for almost four months.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
