Newcastle suffer multiple injury blows ahead of Arsenal clash

Newcastle United’s upcoming match against Arsenal at St. James Park is clouded by injuries, as the Magpies may have to contend without the services of five of their star players.

Newcastle has been hit by a series of unfortunate setbacks, with their £55m summer signing, Sandro Tonali, receiving a ten-month ban due to his involvement in betting on matches in Italy. This has left a considerable void in their midfield.

Adding to their woes, Alexander Isak and Jacob Murphy suffered injuries during their Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund last week, further depleting their lineup.

Isak, who has already netted eight goals this season, was thrust into the starting XI to replace Callum Wilson but had to be substituted just 15 minutes into the match due to injury. Murphy, who came off the bench in the 65th minute, was forced to leave the field with a potentially serious shoulder injury, a blow described by manager Eddie Howe as a significant setback.

Manager Eddie Howe admitted that losing Murphy and Isak to injury is a “big blow” to his team.

"“Jacob came off with what looks like a serious injury,” Howe told TNT Sports.“We’ve got a small squad as is it [sic]. That’s probably the most disappointing thing of the night. It looks like a recurrence of his Isak’s groin problem and it’s a big blow. Jacob’s looks serious, potentially a dislocation of his shoulder.”"

These injuries join the company of defender Sven Botman, who has been sidelined for the last six games due to a knee problem, and winger Harvey Barnes, who is expected to miss approximately three months of action due to a foot injury, although surgery is not required.

With key players missing, Newcastle faces a challenging fixture list in the next two weeks across three different competitions. On either side of Arsenal’s visit, the Magpies visit Manchester United in the Carabao Cup fourth round and Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.

Arsenal, who continue to maintain an unbeaten record in the Premier League this season, face West Ham in the Carabao Cup before the match with Newcastle on Saturday evening.