Nine players who could miss Newcastle vs Arsenal – Bukayo Saka update, huge return confirmed

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta and Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe are both grappling with fitness worries ahead of their Premier League clash this weekend. Both clubs have endured inconsistent beginnings to the new season with each suffering some devastating setbacks in the opening weeks.

The Gunners have already witnessed Bukayo Saka sidelined through a hamstring problem, though he has now recovered and is anticipated to feature at St James' Park. "Nothing to report," Arteta confirmed after Saka completed 63 minutes on Wednesday evening against Port Vale.

"I think he played the game that we anticipated. He did well, he feels good and he will be training the next few days."

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Martin Odegaard has also been absent for several matches with a shoulder problem and didn't appear against Manchester City or during the week, but is in the running to return this Sunday.

"Martin will be training with us the next two days so hopefully he'll be available for the game," Arteta said.

However, he was unable to offer a conclusive update on Noni Madueke, though the anticipation is he will be sidelined for a prolonged spell due to a knee injury.

Kai Havertz is also unavailable after undergoing surgery on an injury sustained against Manchester United on the opening day.

Gabriel Jesus is continuing his recovery from the serious knee issue he picked up back in January. Arteta disclosed earlier this week that summer recruit Piero Hincapie is grappling with a groin problem, and with no further update provided on Friday, it seems he'll be absent for Sunday's game

As for Newcastle, Howe has been handed a significant lift with Anthony Gordon now free from the suspension he incurred following his red card against Liverpool in gameweek 2.

"It is a big boost for us to have him back fully," Howe stated in a press conference. "He can really focus on the few games we have ahead of the next international break. I thought he was excellent against Bradford. He is a player that rises to the occasion, and we are going to need everyone to do that on Sunday."

While Gordon returns, two of the Magpies' latest attacking additions, Yoane Wissa and Jacob Ramsey, remain sidelined with knee and ankle injuries respectively. Veteran centre-back Fabian Schar also appears likely to sit out due to a head injury.

Jacob Murphy may also be deemed unavailable as the 30-year-old continues to struggle with an injury that has lingered since pre-season.

"Jacob is doing OK - it is an [Achilles] issue we are managing," Howe revealed on Friday morning. "He is fit and available, but some days he has been sore, so we are just trying to manage his load."

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