Newcastle United handed potential triple injury boost ahead of Arsenal clash

After a disappointing evening in the Champions League, Arsenal will be hoping to bounce back to form this weekend when they take on Newcastle United in the Premier League. The Gunners were left frustrated on Wednesday night when Porto snagged an extremely late winner at the Estádio do Dragão.

Arsenal failed to register a single shot on target against the Portuguese side, a huge contrast to their 5-0 win over Burnley last time out in the league. They will be hoping to add another important three points to their tally on Saturday as they continue to compete with Liverpool and Manchester City for the title.

Injuries are rife in the Premier League season and Arsenal currently have five players on the sidelines. However, Mikel Arteta recently provided an update that 'some players are progressing better than others' in training, so the team could welcome back some key players this weekend.

Upcoming opponents Newcastle have one of the biggest injury lists in the league right now, with eight players unfit to feature. The Magpies are unbeaten in their last four games and have scored 12 goals in that time, including four in their draw against Luton Town at the start of the month.

Eddie Howe's side have been handed a potential three-player boost ahead of their visit to the capital, though. Both Alexander Isak and Joe Willock are understood to have returned to training and are likely to be in contention to face Arsenal. Isak has been out for the last three matches with a groin issue, while Willock hasn't featured since November after sustaining a second Achilles injury.

Fabian Schär has also avoided an injury following a scare in their 2-2 draw against Bournemouth last time out. Concerns were raised after the defender had 'twisted his wrist' while making a block but it looks as though he will be just fine to make the trip this weekend.

Howe spoke with NewcastleWorld about Isak and Willock missing out featuring against the Cherries.

"He [Isak] was close but not close enough, same as Joe Willock. Fingers crossed in the not too distant future they can play an important part for us."

The last meeting between Arsenal and Newcastle saw Anthony Gordon score the only goal of the match to take all three points for the Magpies. His goal was just one of their two shots on target that match.