Newcastle United have a fresh injury concern heading into Sunday’s Premier League clash away to Arsenal.
The Magpies sit third in the table and require one win from their remaining two games to qualify for the Champions League. Not only would a victory at the Emirates secure a return to Europe’s premier competition, it would mean United go into the final game at home to Everton sitting second.
But Eddie Howe’s side face being without some key players, the latest blow being defender Sven Botman.
The Dutchman made his first start since February in Sunday’s 2-0 win over Chelsea before being replaced in the 55th minute after icing a knee problem at half-time. Botman has since been for a scan and while the injury isn’t thought to be serious, he could be rested until the end of the season given his recent history with knee issues.
In addition to Botman, the Magpies could also be without Kieran Trippier (calf) and Joe Willock (knee) for the final two games, while Joelinton (knee) remains a major doubt having missed the last three matches.
With that in mind, here’s how we’re predicting Newcastle United to line up against Arsenal on Sunday:
9. CM: Bruno Guimaraes
Guimaraes will lead Newcastle out at the Emirates after missing the Carabao Cup semi-final win there in January. | AFP via Getty Images
10. RW: Harvey Barnes
Barnes started on the right side against Chelsea and may be asked to do so again against the Gunners. | AFP via Getty Images
11. LW: Anthony Gordon
Gordon blew off some cobwebs last week after making his first start for two months. He’ll be hoping to find the net at the Emirates, just like he did in January. | Getty Images
12. ST: Alexander Isak
The Swede hasn’t exactly been at his firing best in recent weeks but you’d be daft to write him off having a say on the result at the Emirates. | Getty Images