Newcastle could have been handed a much-needed boost ahead of Monday night’s Premier League meeting with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners drew 0-0 with Crystal Palace last night and their manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that three of his players are doubts for the visit of the Magpies.
Gabriel Martinelli, Pablo Mari and Kieran Tierney could all miss the Newcastle clash with various problems – although the Brazilian striker is likely to be touch-and-go.
Toon manager Steve Bruce could use all the positivity he can get his hands upon ahead of the meeting with Arteta’s side, as he has come in for unforgiving criticism following the Magpies latest abject performance.
The defeat last time out against Sheffield United, the Blades’ first league victory of the season, left Newcastle without a win eight matches and on a worrying slide down the table.
However, Bruce has problems of his own as key attacking threat Allan Saint-Maximin continues to struggle for fitness after suffering from Covid whilst Ryan Fraser will be suspended following his dismissal against Sheffield United.
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Tierney’s absence would perhaps be regarded as the biggest loss for the north London club and therefore be the biggest bonus for Newcastle.
That said, the lack of attacking impetus seen in recent Magpies performances suggests that the Arsenal defence still won’t come under a lot of threat, even with Tierney and Mari likely to miss out.
