Newcastle United will be without five first-team players for their Premier League clash with Arsenal on Saturday night. Anthony Gordon, Tino Livramento, Joelinton, Fabian Schar, and Emil Krafth have all been ruled out of the match at the Emirates Stadium.
Gordon and Livramento Sidelined
England winger Anthony Gordon misses the game with a hip injury, which also kept him out of last week's defeat to Bournemouth. Manager Eddie Howe confirmed Gordon has not trained this week and will not travel to north London. Gordon's future at the club has been the subject of speculation, with Arsenal and Bayern Munich reportedly interested in signing him this summer. However, Howe insisted the injury is genuine and not related to transfer talk.
Tino Livramento, another player linked with a move to Arsenal, suffered a groin problem last weekend. The right-back is undergoing further scans to determine the extent of the injury, and there are concerns he may miss the remainder of the season. Howe described Livramento as 'very level-headed' and expressed hope for a better run of form for the player.
Other Absentees
Midfielder Joelinton will serve a two-game suspension after accumulating 10 yellow cards this season. Centre-back Fabian Schar, who was expected to return from an ankle injury, underwent minor foot surgery and is now sidelined for another month. He is expected to be available for the final games of the campaign. Defender Emil Krafth remains out with a knee injury.
Newcastle's Season Drifting
Newcastle sit 14th in the Premier League table, clear of relegation but far from European qualification. They have lost their last three matches and are looking to halt their slide against an Arsenal side level on points with Manchester City at the top of the table. Arsenal can move clear this weekend as City are involved in FA Cup semi-final action.
Howe will be hoping for a response from his depleted squad as they face a tough test against the title-chasing Gunners.
