Mikel Arteta is hoping to have Ben White fit for the Newcastle United clash, while Gabriel remains a huge doubt due to a thigh injury.
Losing to Tottenham last Thursday impacted Arsenal’s central defence and their chances of finishing fourth. The Gunners come into the game against Newcastle United under a cloud of uncertainty at the back. Ben White has missed the last three matches and was an unused substitute against Spurs, while Gabriel Magalhaes went off injured.
The Brazilian was holding his thigh before being taken off and remains a significant doubt for the Newcastle United clash. Rob Holding remains suspended after being sent off, which has provided Mikel Arteta with a dilemma ahead of their trip to St. James’ Park.
During Arteta’s press conference, the questions were mainly on the state of the defence. The Arsenal manager insisted he was eagerly waiting on news regarding Gabriel and Ben White, as he failed to disclose any further.
He said, “I could [give you an estimate], but I will probably be telling you whatever! Tomorrow will be the day we will have better answers, probably not the answers that we want until matchday, but hopefully better answers.”
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When asked which defenders are fit, Arteta responded, “It’s a good question! We will know probably more tomorrow, so we wanted to extend this period as much as possible to understand how they are recovering, how they are feeling, assess them and tomorrow probably we will know more about how they are.”
Ben White’s presence on the bench is positive news, although, if Gabriel is absent, Takehiro Tomiyasu is the closest possible alternative. The Japanese international has experience of playing as a centre-back, and he should slot alongside Ben White at the heart of the Arsenal defence.
Cedric Soares and Nuno Tavares will reprise the full-back roles in a back-four. Granit Xhaka could also be an option to play centre-back, but Arteta might need him more in central midfield alongside Mohamed Elneny.
Martin Odegaard will continue to operate in the No.10 role, and he will have Bukayo Saka on the right side of the Arsenal attack. Emile Smith Rowe could be selected ahead of Gabriel Martinelli, even though the Brazilian has given no reason to be replaced.
Eddie Nketiah will continue to lead the line for Arsenal against Newcastle, while Alexandre Lacazette and Nicolas Pepe will continue to provide attacking support from the bench if needed.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Ramsdale; Cedric, Tomiyasu, White, Tavares; Elneny, Xhaka; Saka, Odegaard, Smith Rowe; Nketiah
