The Magpies are looking to get back to winning ways after suffering four defeats in a row
Eddie Howe has confirmed that Newcastle United will be without two key England internationals for their visit to the Emirates Stadium as they take on Arsenal, though the return of his captain offers a vital boost to a depleted midfield.
The Magpies travel to North London on Saturday facing an uphill battle to snap a disheartening run of four successive defeats.
There is an atmosphere of significant concern at St James’ Park following a costly 2-1 loss to Bournemouth that has left the side languishing in 14th place.
Howe has confirmed that Anthony Gordon and Tino Livramento have been ruled out of the clash, making the availability of Bruno Guimarães a near necessity for Howe to get a result.
The situation involving Livramento appears particularly bleak, with fears mounting that the versatile full-back may have played his final game of the campaign.
Having been withdrawn during the defeat to the Cherries, the 23-year-old is scheduled for a second scan this weekend to determine the full extent of a thigh complication.
Howe admitted on Friday that the injury-ravaged nature of Livramento’s season has been a source of deep frustration.
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“We don’t think it’s a bad injury,” the head coach noted, while simultaneously acknowledging the uncertainty. “We’ll wait and see whether he’ll play again this season… He’s never been able to get that run of games to find his best form.”
Gordon ruled out as Guimarães prepares for first start since February
In a further blow to Newcastle’s attacking options, Anthony Gordon has failed to recover in time for the trip to the capital.
The winger, who has been an undisputed threat for the Magpies this season, has been unable to train this week due to a hip issue. Howe clarified that while the problem is not considered long-term, tomorrow’s game comes too soon for the 25-year-old.
“Anthony won’t make the game,” Howe confirmed. “He hasn’t trained this week. Hopefully he’ll be fit for next week.”
The one major positive for the travelling Tyneside faithful is the return to full fitness of Bruno Guimarães. After a brief cameo as a substitute against Bournemouth, the Brazilian international has completed a full week of high-intensity training.
Howe expressed his delight at having his captain back in the fold, noting that his leadership is essential for inspiring a squad currently lacking in confidence.
“He’s had a full week of training and he’s trained really well,” Howe remarked. “He’s such an important player for us on so many levels… we’re keen to get him on the pitch as quickly as possible.”
With the race for European qualification slipping further out of reach, the English manager knows that a positive result at the Emirates is required to ensure the campaign does not end in a total downward spiral of results.
