Arsenal receive huge injury boost ahead of showdown with Newcastle United on Sunday

Things were looking good for Newcastle United heading into the clash with Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday.

Mikel Arteta looked to be in the midst of a mini injury crisis, which was set to keep several top stars out of contention for Sunday's massive game with Newcastle.

Former Magpie Mikel Merino is a certainty to miss the tie after receiving his marching orders against Liverpool on Sunday.

Arteta was also set to be missing Declan Rice, Jorginho, Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz, giving Newcastle quite a big advantage.

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Arsenal could have some big players back for Sunday's game

Were Arsenal to be without Declan Rice that would have been a huge boost for Newcastle as he has been in inspired form lately.

Unfortunately, for the Magpies, all four players have reportedly returned to training today, as reported by The Chronicle.

They are all still doubts for the weekend, but their absence seems to be much less assured than it looked a couple of days ago.

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Newcastle could go second with a win over Arsenal

Newcastle are looking for their fourth victory over the Gunners this season, and should they head into the game on Sunday with a big hole in their midfield, we'd certainly feel more confident in making it four out of four.

However, it now looks as though they could be in better shape than we first thought and after their comeback against the Champions on Sunday, they're likely to be in good spirits too.

If Newcastle grab a win, though, they will go second in the table above Arsenal with one game left to go. We are happy to finish anywhere in the top five, obviously, but if we could pip Arsenal to the runners-up spot, that would just be amazing, and hilarious.