Arsenal look set to be without England rebel and former Newcastle United target for Saturday's encounter

Eddie Howe may be sweating on the fitness of a couple of big stars ahead of Arsenal's visit to St James' Park for the early kick-off on Saturday but Mikel Arteta has bigger problems with injuries going into the game with Newcastle United.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe told the media this morning that Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon are carrying niggles and are a slight doubt for tomorrow's game against Arsenal, but from the sounds of things, both should be okay to play.

However, our opponents have a couple of big players missing and one major doubt which could play into Newcastle's favour.

Mikel Arteta held his press conference this morning and he confirmed (via Football London) that two big players are definitely out and one other faces a late fitness test.

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Riccardo Calafiori will miss the game at St James' Park

Former Newcastle target Riccardo Calafiori won't get to experience St James' Park just yet as he will miss Saturday's game as will Martin Odegaard who are both confirmed absences.

Arteta was asked on the fitness of defender Ben White, but things don't sound too promising on that front for Arsenal.

"With Ben we don’t know yet. He could not train so let’s see what happens. Now is the stage when he’s going to start to do certain work with us. Let’s see if he deals with pain if physically he’s able to compete. With the work he’s put in I would be surprised if when he’s back training with us we don’t say he’s ready."

Arsenal will still be able to field a strong side

According to Premier Injuries, Gabriel also faces a late fitness test but has a high chance of featuring. Other players who are ruled out for the Gunners are Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney.

Arsenal will still be able to field a very strong side, so we shouldn't get too carried away by their injury list, but knowing that they aren't at 100% should give us some confidence heading into the game.

Especially if both Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon come through training today okay.