Arsenal predicted line-up vs. Newcastle: seven changes made with Ødegaard among major doubts

Arsenal face another stern test of their Premier League title credentials on Sunday when they make the long trip north to St. James’ Park – but the Gunners may be without a number of key players against Newcastle United thanks to injury issues.

Club captain Martin Ødegaard is among the players who face late fitness tests, while summer signing Noni Madueke has been added to the list of players who will be sidelined for the long term thanks to a knee injury.

We’ve got all of the latest Arsenal team news and injury updates ahead of Sunday’s showdown below, along with our prediction for Mikel Arteta’s starting XI.

Will Martin Ødegaard be fit to face Newcastle?

Attacking midfielder Ødegaard has been struggling with a shoulder injury which has kept him out of the last three matches – but Arteta has suggested that although the issue has recurred already this season, it should not be a long-term problem.

The Spanish head coach described Ødegaard as “totally fine” in the build-up to the EFL Cup win over Port Vale and although he was left out of the squad for that game, he is back in full training and Arteta has suggested that he would be available in “a matter of days.” That suggests that Ødegaard will be available to play at least some part against Newcastle.

READ MORE: The Wonderkid Power Rankings - the Top 10 best young players in the Premier League right now

There is also a question mark over the fitness of Piero Hincapié, who has a “little groin injury” and is, as such, unlikely to make his full Arsenal debut this weekend. No timeline for his return has been provided but Arteta said on Tuesday that he would “see in the next week or so how he is.” That suggests that he is almost certain to be ruled out this Sunday.

William Saliba and Gabriel are likely to be partnered in defence again despite the impressive recent form of Cristhian Mosquera, while Jurriën Timber should start at right-back while Ben White, who started against Port Vale, works his way back to full fitness.

Noni Madueke added to Arsenal injury list

Winger Madueke is expected to be sidelined for six to eight weeks with a serious knee injury sustained in last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City, although the timely return of Bukayo Saka should cushion the blow somewhat.

BBC Sport have reported that a six-week timeframe is the “best case scenario” but the club are waiting for swelling around the knee to subside before making a definitive assessment on the extent of the injury.

He will join Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus in the treatment room as they continue their recoveries from significant knee injuries. Havertz is expected back in November, while Jesus is unlikely to feature until the new year.

Arteta otherwise has a full squad to choose from with Christian Nørgaard now back up to full fitness and White close to being ready to play a full 90 minutes. Newcastle, for their part, will be without summer signing Jacob Ramsey and Yoane Wissa, with Fabian Schär a major doubt.

Full Arsenal predicted line-up vs. Newcastle: Raya; Calafiori, Gabriel, Saliba, Timber; Rice, Zubimendi, Merino; Eze, Gyökeres, Saka