Arsenal are currently 10th on the Premier League table and this weekend they play host to Newcastle United at the Emirates. And right now the biggest question is whether new boy Pablo Mari is fit enough to play.
The Gunners have brought in Pablo Mari on loan from Flamengo for the remainder of the season and the defender should add some much-needed respite to Arsenal’s faltering defensive line-up.
Some reports have claimed that the defender should be fit and available for selection when the Gunners take on Newcastle United on Sunday. But now the club have made it clear that the Magpies clash will come too early for the 26-year-old to make his debut for the club and he will only be ready for their Europa League clash for midweek.
The absence of Pablo Mari means it should once again be the pairing of David Luiz and Sokratis who will play in central defence for Arsenal vs Steve Bruce’s men.
Here’s the injury news(as updated by the club’s official website):
Sead Kolasinac
Available for selection following left thigh strain.
Pablo Mari
In full training following transfer from Brazilian pre-season. Aiming to be available for selection for Olympiacos (a).
Reiss Nelson
Available for selection following right hamstring strain.
Bukayo Saka
Available for selection after being substituted during Burnley (a) following knock to right leg.
Cedric Soares
Left knee. Progressing well with gym work. Aiming to be in full training by the end of February.
Kieran Tierney
Right shoulder. Dislocated right shoulder during West Ham Utd (a) on December 9. Good progress being made in rehabilitation process and has commenced participation in group training sessions. Aiming to be in back in full training by the end of February.
Calum Chambers
Left knee. Ruptured anterior cruciate ligament of his left knee during Chelsea (h) on December 29. Successful surgery completed. Rehabilitation process expected to take between six to nine months.
