Arsenal have confirmed Alexandre Lacazette is unavailable for their clash with Newcastle due to a hamstring problem but Kieran Tierney and David Luiz could return at St James’ Park.
While the France striker has stepped up his recovery and begun training again, he will not feature in the northeast this afternoon.
However, there is a chance he could play a part in Arsenal’s second leg with Villarreal.
Tierney, meanwhile, has missed the Gunners’ last six games with a knee injury and could come in at left-back to replace Granit Xhaka, who badly struggled at the Estadio de la Ceramica in midweek.
Centre-back Luiz – who has also been out with a knee issue – may join the Scot in Mikel Arteta’s defence.
The Brazilian’s last appearance came back in mid-March when Arsenal came from three goals down to draw 3-3 away to London rivals West Ham.
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Arsenal have won just one of their last five matches in the Premier League and found themselves languishing down in 11th place ahead of this weekend’s encounter with Newcastle.
This article was most recently revised and updated 4 years ago