Arsenal receive massive boost with four Newcastle stars ruled out of Premier League clash

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is sweating over the fitness of four of his players ahead of the Premier League game against Arsenal. The Magpies missed a chance to win seven league games on the spin for the first time since 1998 when they were held at home by Leeds United.

In truth, they just did not do enough to win the game and were miles off the recent high standards they’ve set for themselves since Howe took over.

Matt Targett is the latest player to be ruled  out of the game, he picked up a hip injury according to a report by NewcastleWorld.

Jonjo Shelvey is another who will watch from the stands due to a calf problem he’s been battling. The midfielder, when fit is one of the best players  for the club- but he’s rarely had a good run since the turn of the year due to various injuries.

Club-record signing Alexander Isak remains out with a thigh problem and Paul Dummett also is unavailable for the trip to the Premier League leaders.

Manager Eddie Howe confirmed the latest blow ahead of the game tomorrow night.

He said: “Matt Targett has a heel problem. “He’s been managing it for a couple of months but it’s got to the point where it’s too painful for him to carry on. When I say a couple of months, I’m including the break in that as well.

“It’s disappointing, I think he’s going to be out for a period of time. We’re not 100 percent sure how long at the moment but it’s a nasty injury.”

Arsenal will also be without their Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus who has been ruled out with a knee injury until February.