4 talking points ahead of Newcastle vs Arsenal

2. Centre-back duo likely to return

Mikel Arteta has been without his first-choice centre back partnership in the past two games. William Saliba missed the draw with Liverpool as he served a one-match suspension while Gabriel was taken off injured against the Reds, subsequently being absent from the win at Preston.

Speaking on Gabriel's availability in his pre-match press conference, Arteta said via the Arsenal website: "We have a training session today. If he can complete that, he'll be available."

It sounds positive and various reports have suggested that the Brazilian will be back for the game at Newcastle, meaning Arteta will have both his first-choice centre backs available for selection once again.

The duo's return will be a big boost for Arsenal, who who will be looking to keep their first Premier League clean sheet since mid-September.

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