Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has offered an update on his squad’s fitness as the Gunners prepare for their Premier League trip to St James’ Park on Sunday.
Speaking to the press on Friday at the Sobha Realty Training Centre, Arteta addressed the conditions of key players Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, and Noni Madueke.
On captain Odegaard’s chances of featuring against Newcastle United, the Spaniard said the midfielder is expected to rejoin full training in the coming days.
“Martin will be training with us the next two days, so hopefully he’ll be available for the game,” Arteta noted.
Saka, who played 63 minutes in Arsenal’s midweek 2-0 Carabao Cup win at Port Vale before being substituted for Max Dowman, is also set to be available. According to Arteta, the decision to replace him was pre-planned.
“Yeah, nothing to report there. I think he played the games that we anticipated, he did well, he feels good and he will be training the next few days,” he explained.
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However, uncertainty remains over Madueke, who was forced off during last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City. Arteta revealed that the winger is still awaiting a scan to assess the extent of his injury.
Elsewhere, there were no fresh updates on Arsenal’s other sidelined players, with Piero Hincapie (groin), Kai Havertz (knee), and Gabriel Jesus (knee) all still unavailable.
Arsenal will be looking to build momentum when they face Newcastle in what promises to be a tough test away from home.