'A big boost' - Eddie Howe delighted to have Newcastle United star available for Arsenal

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been speaking ahead of his side’s clash with Arsenal on Sunday. It has now been a comfortable start for the Magpies, who will be hoping to compete for a Champions League spot again this season.

Howe’s men have won just one of their five games so far, and they also lost their Champions League opener against Barcelona. In fact, Newcastle’s only league win so far came against a Wolves side that has lost every one of its league games so far.

Newcastle will be desperate for a statement win this weekend, and Arsenal have typically motivated Howe’s men, with these two sides often playing out very competitive and heated fixtures in recent times.

Howe says he encourages such an attitude, admitting in his press conference: “It has always been a competitive game against Arsenal and there has been an edge to those games as both teams are desperate to win. We encourage that. The more competitive we are, the better we play. We need to bring that to the game on Sunday.”

Providing an update on his side’s fitness, he added: “We have a couple of players to check today. No major injuries from the game. Jacob [Murphy] is doing okay, it is an issue we are managing. He is fit and available, but some days he has been sore, so we are just trying to manage his load.”

One player Newcastle will remain without is Jacob Ramsey, who is still working his way back form an ankle issue. “His recovery is going well; he is on the grass working hard and building his fitness back up,” Howe added.

“I think it will be after the international break that we see him, anything before that, then he will be ahead of schedule.”

Gordon returns

A dangerous player Newcastle will get back if Anthony Gordon, who returned in the cup against Bradford City during the week after an extension. “It is a big boost for us to have him back fully,” Howe said.

“He can really focus on the few games we have ahead of the next international break. I thought he was excellent against Bradford. He is a player that rises to the occasion and we are going to need everyone to do that on Sunday.”

Arsenal won the last meeting between these two sides, winning 1-0 back in May. Before that game, the Gunners lost three games on the bounce to the Magpies.

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