Newcastle United double fitness 'concern' ahead of Arsenal as three players ruled out
Newcastle United team news ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash against Arsenal at St James’ Park.
Newcastle United will check on the fitness of “a couple of players” ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash against Arsenal (kick-off 4:30pm).
The Magpies host Arsenal at St James’ Park looking to kickstart their 2025-26 Premier League season, having won just one of their opening five matches.
United boast a strong record against Mikel Arteta’s side, losing just one of their last five home matches.
Eddie Howe previews Newcastle United vs Arsenal
Previewing the game, Eddie Howe said: “I think it's always been competitive against Arsenal in the games that I've been here and there has been an edge to those games because I think both teams are desperate to win.
“Yeah, we sort of encourage that.I think the more competitive we are, the better we play. So certainly we need to bring that side of our game.
“I think you play these teams and the other teams in the Premier League so often that, of course, results ebb and flow and sometimes you do better against one team than you do others.
“Our record against Bournemouth, who were our last opponent in the Premier League, has been disappointing but you don't think about that going into the game. You think about this is a fresh game and a fresh opportunity to impress. So we've always had that sort of line that you draw under the past.
“The past isn't relevant. But you need to take whatever confidence you can positively and take that with you. So we'll look to do that. But this is a fresh game and Arsenal are a new team.”
Newcastle United double fitness concern
After making seven changes for last weekend’s goalless draw at AFC Bournemouth, Howe made the same number of changes for the 4-1 win over Bradford City in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.
Several changes are expected, some that may be enforced with Howe revealing there are “a couple of players to check” on.
“We’ve got a couple of players to check today, see how they are,” Howe said. “No major injuries from the game. I think everyone physically looked pretty good in the game.”
Three Newcastle United players ruled out vs Arsenal
Jacob Murphy is expected to be available, despite sitting out against Bradford as he manages an Achilles issue.
Howe said: “Yeah, he's doing okay. It's an issue that we're managing. Sometimes with Achilles tendon problems, they're sort of ongoing and players manage them.
“We've had several in the past few seasons who've done that. He's sort of in that place where he is fit and he's available and has been. But maybe certain days he's been quite sore, so we just try to manage his load.”
Yoane Wissa (knee) and Jacob Ramsey (ankle) remain sidelined until after the international break, while Fabian Schar will sit out against Arsenal with a concussion but is likely to return for the visit to Union SG in the Champions League.