Newcastle United will be looking to take another huge step towards sealing a Champions League spot when they host Arsenal on Sunday. The Gunners will arrive at St James' Park looking to keep their title hopes alive following a comfortable midweek derby win over Chelsea.
Eddie Howe's side enjoyed a perfect week, following up the devastating victory over Tottenham with wins over relegation battlers Everton and Southampton. The Magpies hold a six-point cushion over fifth-placed Liverpool, but this could be halved before kick-off on Sunday afternoon with the Reds in action against Brentford on Saturday.
United have just five fixtures remaining in their season, and have enjoyed a full week to prepare for their upcoming clash with Arsenal. The Newcastle boss provided an injury update ahead of the top-of-the-table encounter, and here is a list of the first-team stars ruled out or considered doubts for Sunday.
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Emil Krafth
The Sweden international still has a spot in the 25-man squad, but is not expected to return to action before the summer. Krafth has been absent since August after suffering an ACL injury in the Carabao Cup second-round win at Tranmere Rovers.
Jamaal Lascelles
Howe confirmed the club captain could be out for the remainder of the season with a calf injury suffered in a gym session. The Magpies boss provided no further update on Lascelles' availability in the latest pre-match press conference.
Sean Longstaff
The academy graduate was another who was feared could miss the remainder of the campaign following an injury suffered in the win at Everton. Tests have dispelled these initial concerns, and Howe says it is a case of 'wait and see' over the midfielder's availability.
Allan Saint-Maximin
The French forward has returned to training following a hamstring injury picked up following the away win at West Ham last month. Howe confirmed a decision is yet to be taken as to whether Saint-Maximin will be involved on Sunday.
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