Arsenal receive triple injury boost ahead of crucial clash with Newcastle

Gidibam Web6 days ago

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has received a major boost ahead of Sunday’s pivotal Premier League clash against Newcastle United, with three key players all returning to training.

The Gunners need just a single point at the Emirates to secure Champions League qualification for next season. A win would guarantee a second-place finish for the third consecutive campaign. However, Arsenal face a tough challenge against a Newcastle side that has become something of a bogey team for Arteta. The Magpies have beaten Arsenal in their last three meetings, including a 1-0 victory in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final at the Emirates back in January.

Arsenal will be without Mikel Merino, who is suspended after being sent off in last weekend’s dramatic 2-2 draw against Liverpool at Anfield. Despite the absence, there is growing optimism within the squad following the return of several first-team stars.

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Declan Rice, who missed the trip to Liverpool due to a hamstring issue, was back in training on Saturday, along with Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli, both of whom had been injury doubts. The club confirmed their involvement through images shared on its official website, sparking hope that all three could feature against Eddie Howe’s side.

Arteta has had to navigate a challenging campaign riddled with injuries to key players including Martin Ødegaard, Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Magalhães. Reflecting on the difficulties, the Spaniard refused to dwell on regrets but acknowledged the challenges faced throughout the season.

“I wouldn’t use that word,” Arteta said when asked if he had any regrets. “You probably have regrets in life and in professional life when you haven’t done your best. But I can guarantee and give you my word that we have all tried our very best.

“If you ask if we wanted a different outcome, especially with how close we’ve come again, then the answer is yes. However, that doesn’t undermine a lot of incredible things that this team has done again in the context that we play, against the opposition that we play, and with the circumstances that we have had.”

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Arteta also weighed in on the shifting landscape of the Premier League, claiming the era of the traditional ‘Big Six’ is over.

“The level has gone to something bigger than what we experienced in the previous 12 months and in the past,” he said. “It’s frightening the way it’s evolving, how competitive it is, and how difficult it is to win. The margins are so small, next season is going to be even more difficult.

“If you ask any manager at the end of the season: ‘Can you promise to be in the Champions League next season?’ I don’t know who is going to say yes to that, so that tells you the story.”

With Arsenal on the brink of sealing another top-four finish, Arteta is urging his side to take the final step on Sunday, as the Gunners look to end the season on a high and build momentum for the future.