Mikel Arteta has announced that two stars from Arsenal will miss the upcoming game against Newcastle…

Mikel Arteta has stated that two key Arsenal players will be unavailable for the match against Newcastle.

Two Arsenal players have been ruled out of the clash with Newcastle by Mikel Arteta

Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Riccardo Calafiori and Martin Odegaard will not participate in Arsenal’s upcoming Premier League match against Newcastle United, although he anticipates that Gabriel Magalhaes will be available to play.

Calafiori, who was signed for £42 million this summer, has been sidelined for the last two matches after sustaining an injury during the Champions League encounter with Shakhtar Donetsk. He will miss a third consecutive game on Saturday as Arsenal heads to St James’ Park.

Odegaard, the Arsenal captain, will also be absent despite earlier speculation about his potential return.

He has been out of action since early September due to an injury incurred while on international duty.

On a positive note for Arsenal, currently sitting third in the Premier League and five points behind reigning champions Manchester City, Gabriel is expected to return to the lineup after leaving the pitch during last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool.

Although he missed the midweek Carabao Cup victory over Preston, he will travel with the squad to Newcastle if he successfully completes the final training session.

“Yes, it’s good news on Gabriel,” Arteta stated during his pre-match press conference on Friday. “We have a training session today.

If he’s able to participate, he’ll be in the squad. He hasn’t trained yet, but he could be okay for tomorrow.

Riccy [Calafiori] and Martin [Odegaard] are definitely out. As for Ben [White], we are still uncertain. He was unable to train, so we will see what happens.”

When asked about Odegaard’s potential return from injury, Arteta responded, “We are now at a point where he will begin to engage in specific training with us.

We will assess how he manages any discomfort and whether he is physically prepared to compete.

Given the effort he has put in, I would be surprised if, upon returning to training, we don’t conclude that he is ready to play.”

Arsenal, aiming to secure their first Premier League title since 2004, started the 2024-25 season strongly but has recently dropped points, earning only one from their last two matches, which has allowed Manchester City and Liverpool to gain an advantage.

“You always want to be at the top,” Arteta remarked regarding Arsenal’s current league standing. “We are in the mix and understand the significant challenge ahead, and we will be prepared for it.

The league standings after nine matches can be quite unpredictable. Newcastle is known for their intensity, and I am eager for the upcoming match.”

Eddie Howe’s Newcastle has struggled to find their best form this season, currently positioned 12th in the Premier League as they prepare to face Arsenal.

The Magpies have not secured a league victory since mid-September, although they did achieve a win against a strong Chelsea side in the Carabao Cup earlier this week.