Martin Dubravka has issued Arsenal a warning ahead of their game against Newcastle this weekend, with the goalkeeper claiming that the Magpies are “mentally and physically refreshed”, talking to nufc.co.uk.
With both Arsenal and Newcastle level on points in mid-table, there will be plenty to play for when the two sides face off at the Emirates on Sunday, with both clubs also coming into the game off the back of consecutive draws.
Dubravka, who has been a mainstay for Newcastle since signing from Sparta Prague in 2018, has declared that his side “are in a good position” to take on the Gunners.
Talking to the club’s website, the Slovakia international said:
We have had so many games in a row so these few days off definitely helped us to heal some small injuries, and hopefully we are ready for the next games now.
When you are playing in different leagues in Europe you get a couple of weeks off, or a couple of days – I’ve had that before as well, so I know how helpful this can be.
I’m glad that they decided to give us some days off because especially when you play against top teams at Christmas time, you are tired. If you don’t get a good result, it’s hard mentally as well, so it was perfect timing.
Football is not only a physical thing – also mentally, it’s very difficult sometimes, especially when you don’t get a result.
Arsenal is going to be a big game. You can win against these big teams. You have to be at 100 per cent in every position, but you can still win these games – and that’s what we will be trying to do.
Now we are in a good position. I’m glad that we went through in the cup game – it was very important for us, for everyone, and for the fans as well. Now we have something to celebrate and to look forward to.
Read Newcastle Verdict
With Steve Bruce hoping to have up to eight injured players back available to him before the Arsenal game, the Magpies should rightfully feel like they’ve been handed a boost leading up to their game against the Gunners.
Still, Arsenal have drawn their last four Premier League games, and will be equally as determined to end that run against Newcastle as the travelling side will be to beat Mikel Arteta’s men.
Miguel Almiron has been speculated as one of Newcastle’s potential returning men against the London side, while any of Andy Carroll, Dwight Gayle and Yoshinori Muto could also come back to bolster Newcastle’s attacking options, which would certainly give the travelling side a mental boost.
It remains to be seen whether Bruce’s side can beat Arsenal this weekend, but it can only be a positive sign that the players are up for it.
