Big concern: Arteta could be without 3 midfielders vs Newcastle after injury & suspension - opinion

Arsenal registered a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday.

The Gunners had a disappointing opening half versus the Reds at Anfield. They conceded two goals between the 20th and 21st minute with defensive errors.

There was a tremendous response following the interval. Gabriel Martinelli and Mikel Merino ensured that the Gunners came out of Anfield with a deserved point.

While the result was positive, manager Mikel Arteta now has a huge selection headache on his hands for the league clash against Newcastle United at home on Sunday.

Mikel Merino received his marching orders in the 79th minute yesterday after a second yellow card. The Spaniard won’t face his former employers at the weekend.

Manager Mikel Arteta has also hinted that midfielder Declan Rice may not be fit to face the Magpies after missing the 2-2 draw against Arne Slot’s side with a hip problem.

Arteta said (via The Independent): “I think he is struggling, it does not look good.”

Meanwhile, Jorginho has not played since his lung injury against Brentford on April 12.

The 33-year-old was in the matchday squad for the second leg of the Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain, but he did not play a single minute.

Jorginho did not even make the squad against the Reds yesterday, which suggests that the Italian has not fully recovered from his setback versus the Bees last month.

In that case, Arteta has a major injury crisis on his hands. He could be without three key midfielders when the Magpies make the trip to the Emirates Stadium.

Leandro Trossard has operated as a number eight this campaign, but the Belgian also appears doubtful, having been substituted with a possible muscle injury yesterday.

If things don’t improve, Oleksandr Zinchenko could be tasked to partner Martin Odegaard and Thomas Partey in midfield against the Magpies this weekend.

If Trossard is sidelined, Martinelli could move into the centre-forward role. Bukayo Saka could slot on the left wing with Ethan Nwaneri occupying the right wing.

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