Arsenal XI vs Newcastle: Confirmed lineup, team news, injury latest for Premier League today…

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is optimistic about the return of three key players for tonight’s match against Newcastle. Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Thomas Partey are all eager to make their comebacks after being sidelined with various injuries.

Jesus has been out since January with a knee problem, Zinchenko has been absent since February due to a calf issue, and Partey has been sidelined since October with a groin injury. However, Arteta has confirmed that all three players are nearing their return to the pitch.

Arsenal would greatly benefit from this development as they currently trail Premier League leaders Liverpool by five points, with a game in hand.

During his pre-match press conference on Friday, Arteta confirmed that there would be another training session.

He mentioned that the player in question has been sidelined for several months and emphasized the importance of determining the right moment for him to return to competitive action. However, Arteta expressed confidence that the player is nearing full fitness. Similar progress has been observed with Gabi Jesus, who has made some positive strides, and Alex Zinchenko is also not far behind.

Unfortunately, Takehiro Tomiyasu is expected to be absent from the upcoming game against Newcastle due to a calf injury. On the other hand, Jurrien Timber, who suffered a knee injury in August, continues to make good progress according to Arteta.

“He’s making great progress,” he stated. “He has already been training with some of the players on the field. In the upcoming week or so, he will start participating in some activities with us on the pitch.

“Afterwards, we will assess his performance, his confidence level, and his fitness level. Hopefully, the outcome will be positive.”

Projected Arsenal Starting XI (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior; Odegaard, Rice, Jorginho; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli

Unavailable due to injury: Timber (knee), Tomiyasu (calf)

Players with fitness concerns: Jesus (knee), Partey (thigh), Zinchenko (calf)

Full Arsenal squad: Ramsdale, Raya, Hein; Gabriel, Cedric, Kiwior, Saliba, White, Zinchenko; Elneny, Havertz, Jorginho, Odegaard, Partey, Rice, Smith Rowe, Vieira; Jesus, Martinelli, Nelson, Nketiah, Saka and Trossard

Match details: The game will take place at Emirates Stadium on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at 8pm.

Referee: Paul Tierney.