Arsenal handed major injury boost ahead of Newcastle clash with key player set to be fit

Arsenal have been handed a major injury boost ahead of their Premier League clash against Newcastle that will delight boss Mikel Arteta, according to reports.

The Gunners realistically need to defeat Eddie Howe's side at St James' Park to keep their slim Premier League title hopes alive.

That is after Manchester City, who defeated Leeds 2-1 on Saturday, are four points ahead of Arteta's side.

Failure to beat Newcastle would likely end any hopes of Arsenal lifting their first league crown since 2004, with a win allowing them to keep the pressure on Pep Guardiola's side.

The Gunners could make several changes from their 3-1 win over Chelsea on Wednesday, with Thomas Partey and Gabriel Martinelli both starting that clash from the bench.

But despite their impressive display at the Emirates Stadium, there was a significant concern when centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes limped off with an ankle problem.

However, according to Goal, via sources, the Brazilian centre-back is set to play for the Gunners at St James' Park.

Gabriel 'set to be fit'

Gabriel has started every Premier League match for Arteta's side this term, developing into one of the Spaniard's most important and trusted players.

Wednesday's fixture was only the second time he has failed to complete 90 minutes in a Premier League fixture this term.

Goal claim that, despite Arteta being unable to confirm Gabriel's status in his pre-match press conference on Friday, the defender is set to play against Newcastle.

With William Saliba still out with a back injury suffered in the Europa League against Sporting Lisbon, the availability of the 25-year-old Brazilian is certainly vital for Arteta and Arsenal's hopes against one of the most in-form attacks in the Premier League.

Speaking about Saliba on Friday, the Spaniard said: "He's feeling better every single day but he's still not been able to have any activity around the first team, so we don't expect him to be with us [at Newcastle].

"It's about the healing process. Pain-wise and with things that he can do now off the pitch, I think he is in a good place, but we have to build his capacity again to have the right impact, the right load and be in good condition to train and play for the team."

Topics: Arsenal, Premier League, Gabriel Magalhaes, Injury, Mikel Arteta, Newcastle United

Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.