Newcastle United without five stars for Arsenal showdown

Anthony Gordon and Tino Livramento are among the five Newcastle United players who will miss Newcastle United’s clash with Arsenal.

The Gunners are level on points with Manchester City at the summit of the Premier League but can move clear again on Saturday night with Pep Guardiola’s side in FA Cup semi-final action this weekend.    

Newcastle’s campaign is drifting towards an uneventful conclusion sat in 14^th place, clear of a relegation scrap but well off the pace in the battle for European qualification unless there is a swift uplift in their form having lost their last three on the bounce.

Gordon’s future in the northeast has come under scrutiny with Arsenal and Bayern Munich among the clubs interested in signing the England winger this summer.

Gordon is understood to be keen to leave St James’ Park and missed last week’s defeat to Bournemouth with a hip injury.

Eddie Howe has insisted his absence has nothing to do with mounting speculation over his future, confirming on Friday the same hip issue will rule him out of the trip to north London.

‘Anthony won’t make the game. He hasn’t trained this week,’ Howe told a press conference.

‘Again, not a serious injury, but not in time for this game. Hopefully the next one.’

Livramento, another player thought to be on Arsenal’s shortlist of summer transfer targets, was forced off last weekend with a groin problem.

Newcastle are waiting to discover if the right-back will now miss the rest of the season.

‘Tino went for a scan initially. We don’t think it’s a bad injury. We’ll wait and see whether he plays again this season,’ Howe said.

‘He’s due to have another scan at the weekend to determine the full extent of his time out. He is very level-headed, very stable mentally.

‘He’s had a frustrating season. He had such a good season last season; he was outstanding, was fit and available and really contributed to what we delivered.

‘This year has been different. That’s the life of a footballer, I’m afraid. He’s never been able to get that run of games to really find his best form.

‘He’s an outstanding player, we just hope he has a better run around the corner.’

The Magpies will also be without Joelinton who is set to serve a two-game ban for picking up 10 yellow cards this season.

Fabian Schar meanwhile was in ljne to return from an ankle injury but underwent minor foot surgery that pushed him back a month. The centre-half is expected to be available for the final games of the season.

Emil Krafth remains out with a knee injury.