Newcastle United have been dealt a fresh fitness blow ahead of Saturday evening's match against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
Martin Dubravka has not travelled with the squad for the match due to illness. A tweet posted by the club read: "Martin Dúbravka misses out through illness this evening."
The Magpies' latest fitness blow sees Dubravka drop out of the side to be replaced by Loris Karius for his first Premier League appearance for the club. Karius has only played one competitive match for Newcastle previously, a 2-0 defeat to Manchester United in the Carabao Cup final almost exactly a year ago.
A further update on Dubravka's situation will be provided by Eddie Howe after the match with Newcastle travelling to face Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup fifth round on Tuesday night.
United have seven players ruled out of the match against Arsenal due to illness, injury or suspension but have just welcomed back Alexander Isak and Joe Willock from injury issues. Isak had been out for the last three matches with a groin issue while Willock hasn't featured for Newcastle since November due to a recurring Achilles problem.
Newcastle have suffered recent blows to the likes of Callum Wilson and Joelinton, who are both out until the latter part of the season.

9. Sandro Tonali (suspended)
Tonali was handed a 10-month ban from football after breaching Italian betting regulations. This suspension will rule the midfielder out of action for the rest of the season, next summer’s European Championship and the opening weeks of next season. Has since been charged by the FA and awaits potential punishment. Expected return: 27/08/24 | Getty Images

10. Sven Botman (knee)
Botman suffered an ACL injury against Manchester City in the FA Cup and has been ruled-out of action for 'six-to-nine' months. He will undergo surgery after suffering a similar injury earlier this season. Expected return: October-December 2024 | Getty Images

11. Jamaal Lascelles (knee)
Suffered a knee injury early on in the 4-3 win over West Ham United. Later confirmed to be an ACL issue, ruling him out for a lengthy period. Expected return: October-December 2024 | AFP via Getty Images


