Eddie Howe has provided an update on the fitness of his Newcastle United squad ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash with Arsenal at St James' Park.
The Magpies currently sit 12th in the Premier League table and will be looking to build on their 2-0 victory over Chelsea in the last 16 of the EFL Cup on Wednesday night.
Newcastle were boosted by the return of star winger Anthony Gordon, who recovered from a groin injury to start after missing the 2-1 defeat at Chelsea in the Premier League last weekend.
There was also a long-awaited return for young midfielder Lewis Miley, who made his first appearance of the season as a late substitute, but Alexander Isak hobbled off just after the hour mark after sustaining a knock to his leg.
Howe has since revealed that the "niggling" issues both Isak and Gordon have had will be assessed ahead of kickoff against Arsenal, as will the fatigue of other players that comes naturally after a game.
© Imago
Isak, Gordon "both feel okay" ahead of Arsenal test
Providing a fitness update on his squad at a press conference on Friday, Howe said: "There's just general fatigue really, game fatigue. I think it was a good physical game against Chelsea, both games on the Sunday and the Wednesday were intense matches.
"It's normal game fatigue that you get 24 hours after a game and 48 hours, so we need to make sure whoever enters the pitch against Arsenal is in their best condition."
Asked specifically about Isak and Gordon, Howe added: "Yes, I think they both feel okay. I think it's one of them we'll assess how they feel today.
"Sometimes 48 hours you can feel different to 24 hours, it's not necessarily always a straight line with how the body feels. They both had niggling injuries, Alex had his toe, Anthony's had a groin, so we'll make a decision today."
© Imago
Wilson making progress, but will miss Arsenal clash
Howe has also delivered an update on striker Callum Wilson, who is yet to make an appearance for the Magpies this season due to a back problem.
"He's doing okay. He's building his load again," said Howe. "As I said, there was no real injury but just a feeling in his body that he couldn't push as hard as he wanted and push what he needs to push.
"He's definitely out for this game. We'll make a decision based on how he feels for Nottingham Forest (November 10) but probably with the two-week gap, it probably makes sense to leave him".
Wilson is joined in the treatment room by Sven Botman, Jamaal Lascelles (both knee), Kieran Trippier (hamstring) and Matt Targett (eczema flare-up), while Jacob Murphy is doubtful after missing the midweek win with a minor hamstring issue.
Reacting to Newcastle's EFL Cup win, Howe said: "I'm really pleased with the response from the players. I thought our performance was very good and we got the result for that performance - two good goals and a clean sheet. Winning always makes you feel better about everything - there is a spring in your step."
Newcastle have won two of their last three home games against Arsenal, including a narrow 1-0 victory last season, and they could move into the top eight of the Premier League if they collect maximum points this weekend.
No Data Analysis info
