The surprise reason why Javier Manquillo was left out Newcastle United’s squad versus Arsenal

Javier Manquillo missed Newcastle United’s 2-0 victory over Arsenal at St James’ Park through chickenpox.

The Spanish full-back dropped out of the Magpies’ matchday squad to face the Gunners - and Eddie Howe revealed why during his post-match press conference.

Chris Wood was also absent with a hip issue, but the United head coach hopes it is nothing too serious.

Howe said: “Javi Manquillo has chicken pops, so that’s why he missed out.

“Chris Wood had a hip problem, which we hope isn’t too serious.”

Newcastle coped without the pair following an own goal from Ben White before Bruno Guimaraes netted his fifth goal of the campaign late on.

Manquillo has been kept out the starting XI by Emil Krafth, while Wood has started 15 out of 17 matches following his £25million January move from Burnley.

Three points for United saw them round-off their home campaign in style to move up to 12th in the Premier League table.

Beating Arsenal was the first time this season Newcastle have overcome a team sat in the top seven.

“(It was a) brilliant way for us to sign off here,” Howe said. “I was very, very pleased with our performance, it was probably our best performance by some distance since I’ve been at the football club.

“The most pleasing thing was we were dominant in the first-half, but I’ve seen that so many times where the dominant team then drops off in terms of energy levels and intensity levels and the game totally changes.

“I’ve got to give my players big credit that we didn’t. We were probably better in the second-half. Full credit to the group and a great way to finish off here.”