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Newcastle United face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium later today aiming to complete a league double over the Gunners. And Eddie Howe could welcome back a couple of his key players for the trip to north London with both Joe Willock and Alexander Isak potentially being involved in the game.
Howe admitted last week that the pair were 'close' to a return against Bournemouth and both could be available for tonight's game. Mikel Arteta, meanwhile, watched his side taste defeat against Porto in the Champions League in midweek, ending their stunning recent form.
The Gunners have taken maximum points from their last five league outings - scoring 21 goals in that time and currently sit 3rd in the Premier League table. It is set to be a fascinating encounter between two sides that will have strong memories of their last meeting back in November.
The Magpies won a feisty encounter 1-0 that evening with VAR, controversy and potential red cards all thrown into the mix on a very memorable night. Here, ahead of tonight's game, we take a look at the latest injury news from both camps:
5. Fabio Vieira - doubt
Vieira has not featured for the Gunners since November but is reportedly edging closer to a return for Arteta’s side. He featured on the bench during their defeat to Porto on Wednesday night. | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
6. Jurrien Timber - out
Timber picked up a serious injury less than an hour into his Premier League debut with Arsenal back in August and has not been seen in action since. | Getty Images
7. Joe Willock - doubt
Willock reaggravated an achilles injury and has missed every game since the November international break. There is hope he can return to action very soon, however, with that potentially coming at the Emirates Stadium, his old stomping ground. | Getty Images
8. Alexander Isak - doubt
Isak limped off in the first-half against Villa with a groin issue and hasn’t been seen in action since. However, he has reportedly returned to training with the group and could be in contention for this weekend’s game. | Getty Images