Mikel Arteta avoided any serious injury scares following Arsenal's 4-2 win against Brighton. The victory for the Gunners saw the side increase their lead at the top of the table by seven points.
Arsenal will hope to extend the gap to 10 points on Tuesday evening as they host Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners can extend their lead from third place Newcastle to 12 points with a win.
The Gunners could go into the match without fresh injury issues following Arsenal's win against Brighton. Gabriel Jesus and Reiss Nelson are the confirmed absentees going into the match against Newcastle, with Emile Smith Rowe potentially making a return.
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Gabriel Jesus
Jesus suffered medial ligament damage whilst playing for Brazil against Cameroon in the World Cup group stages. The 25-year-old later returned to London to undergo surgery on his knee.
While it is set to be a long road to recovery, with reports suggesting he could be out for up to four months of action, Jesus posted a positive update on his Instagram story last week, saying "the first week is gone." The caption was placed over the top of an image showing Jesus' right knee in a hefty brace.
Expected return date: February / March 2023.
Emile Smith Rowe
Smith Rowe has been out for a considerable length of time. Even though he was hoping to return for West Ham, Arteta is being cautious and may opt not to risk him just yet.
What Arteta has said: "He’s made big steps in the last week. He took part in some training sessions and looked good. We’re hoping to have him back soon."
Expected return date: January 2023.
Reiss Nelson
The extent of Nelson's hamstring injury is currently unknown, but Arteta admitted after the friendly with Juventus that it could be problematic.
What Arteta has said: "We don't know the extent of the injury. The fact that he had to leave the pitch straight away is not good news, especially with someone like Reiss who is really powerful and fast. Let's see what will happen. We know what we have to do and that doesn't change the plans [for the transfer window]."
Expected return date: Unknown.
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