Arsenal fans face a nervous wait to see if Granit Xhaka will be fit for Monday night.
Unai Emery confirmed that the midfielder missed training on Friday, but is hopeful he will be ready to face Newcastle.
“Xhaka also rested today and we are going to wait for tomorrow and Sunday,” the Arsenal boss told the club’s official website.
“But the first previews from the doctor’s analysis is that they can be okay to play on Monday.”
The 26-year-old was key in the reverse fixture at the start of the season. Xhaka broke the deadlock at St James’ Park, firing a brilliant free kick into the top corner early in the second half.
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Newcastle had done well up until that moment, but the Swiss midfielder’s goal swung the pendulum in Arsenal’s favour.
Xhaka seems to be enjoying a decent season at Arsenal, having flattered to deceive when he first arrived in the Premier League. And the Gunners fans are very hopeful he’ll be fit to play.
Arsenal fans seem desperate for Xhaka to play
He scored a stunner against Denmark during the international break, so Newcastle will need to be wary of his shots from distance if he starts on Monday.
Arsenal will be without Lucas Torreira, who is still suspended following his red card against Tottenham. Aaron Ramsey is available though, having returned to full training after a thigh injury.