Arsenal are still chasing a top-four finish this season, anxious to qualify for the Champions League next season. However, they have suffered a setback in their pursuit after losing the North London Derby to rivals Tottenham, who then went on to beat Burnley 1-0 to leapfrog the Gunners.
The challenge remains in Mikel Arteta’s hands, with a game in hand over Spurs providing them the chance to go into the final game of the season in the driver’s seat. They will have to beat Newcastle, who have undergone a lot of changes since the start of the year.
The visitors will face a hostile St. James’ Park crowd, who will be hoping to see their team finish the home season on a high note. With a number of ailments affecting the squad coming into the game, the Gunners may be forced to make some changes as well.
With that said, let’s take a look at Arteta’s most recent injury worries.
Ben White
Since signing for £50 million from Brighton last summer, White has been crucial for Arteta’s team. Alongside the more physically powerful Magalhaes, the England international provides a soothing influence, and the two centre-backs form a solid defensive partnership.
White has been out with a hamstring strain in recent weeks, missing the 2-1 victory over West Ham United and Leeds United. When Gabriel was taken from the game, he was also left out of the North London derby.
“We will probably know more tomorrow,” Arteta added, “so we wanted to extend this period as much as possible to understand how they are healing, how they are feeling, and assess them, and we will probably know more about how they are tomorrow.”
Expected return date: Newcastle United (A) – May 16
Kieran Tierney
After incurring a long-term knee injury for which he has subsequently undergone surgery, Scottish fullback Kieran Tierney will not play again this season.
Expected return date: Pre-Season
Thomas Partey
Thomas Partey has been out with a thigh injury since the 3-0 loss to Crystal Palace last month. The Ghanaian international was not fit enough to face Tottenham, but he was fit enough to play football. The 28-year-old has been taking part in individual training sessions every day, with the goal of returning to the first team squad in the “coming few weeks,” Sports Deputy understands.
Partey’s best-case scenario, according to what a source told Sports Deputy, is for the tough-tackling midfielder to return for the season’s last game against Everton later this month. Nonetheless, the Gunners’ medical staff is wary of rushing him back and jeopardizing his health.
Expected return date: Everton (H) – May 22
