Arsenal news: Mikel Arteta faces selection dilemma for Newcastle match

Arsenal have an important game against Newcastle on Sunday as they look to secure their place in the Champions League next season.

Mikel Merino is going to be suspended following his red card in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool on Sunday, while Declan Rice is also a doubt after missing the match at Anfield with a hamstring issue.

Leandro Trossard also had to be withdrawn with a knock and it could mean that Mikel Arteta will have to be creative in a match that the Gunners need a result.

It is a familiar feeling for Arteta, whose side have been plagued with injuries. Alongside Merino and Rice, the Arsenal manager will be without Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Gabriel and Takehiro Tomiyasu.

Jurrien Timber did not play on Sunday against Liverpool and was not fit enough to come off the bench, leaving another question mark for Arteta.

The Arsenal backline still has options despite the injuries but in midfield is where the issues start.

With both Rice and Merino unlikely to feature, that leaves one of Oleksandr Zinchenko, Ethan Nwaneri or Myles Lewis-Skelly as alternative options.

Jack Henry-Francis has been on the bench in recent weeks but it is very unlikely that Arteta puts him in against one of the Premier League’s most dominant midfields.

Lewis-Skelly’s natural position is in the centre of midfield and he could shift into that position with Riccardo Calafiori coming in at left-back.

Gabriel Martinelli caused issues for Liverpool when he shifted centrally and scored in the draw on Sunday.

Arteta highlighted how his pace causes defences problems and he could be used there if Nwaneri or Raheem Sterling come into the attack, in the event that Trossard is not fit enough to be included in the starting line-up.