Newcastle United trio ruled out of Arsenal clash - but ex-Gunners transfer target could return

Federico Fernandez is set to join Jonjo Shelvey and Joe Willock in missing Monday night’s Premier League clash at home to Arsenal.

Eddie Howe again confirmed that Shelvey (calf) and Willock (knee) will miss the remainder of the campaign - and the same could go for Fernandez.

The Argentine defender has been hit with an achilles problem, which explains why he was absent from the matchday squad for defeats to Liverpool and Manchester City.

Indeed, Fernandez’s season has been hampered by injury with the 33-year-old last playing for United in December.

And with just two games remaining, it is unclear if Fernandez, a summer signing by Rafa Benitez in 2018, will make a late appearance.

Both Shelvey and Willock definitely won’t kick a ball again this term, though it is hoped the pair can return in time for pre-season.

Update on Federico Fernandez, Jonjo Shelvey and Joe Willock

Howe explained: “Jonjo has quite a serious calf injury, similar to the one he sustained at the start of the season. He’ll be out for a period of time but we expect him back before pre-season with no problems.

“It’ll be the same for Joe Willock, he’s had an issue with a tendon in his knee for a while.

“We thought we sorted the problem but it’s come back so he needs a period of rest. He’s had a couple of injections in his knee and we anticipate he’ll be fine for pre-season.

“Federico Fernandez has had a slight achilles problem.”

Positive Ryan Fraser update

One player Howe could welcome back against Arsenal is Ryan Fraser.

Fraser, once a target for the Gunners before he joined the Magpies on a free transfer two years ago, has missed the last five matches with a hamstring issue.

Howe recently said the Scotland international was in a race against time to play again this season but after returning to training on Wednesday, it appears he has won that race.

“Ryan returned to training yesterday (Wednesday), which is great to see,” Howe said. “He trained very well, so fingers crossed he’s fine.”

The visit of Mikel Arteta’s men on Monday night is United’s final home of the campaign.

Howe’s side are mathematically safe from Premier League relegation following Leeds United’s 3-0 defeat to Chelsea.