Ahead of Sunday’s trip to St James’ Park, Mikel Arteta has shared the latest team news.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference at the Sobha Realty Training Centre on Friday, our manager was asked for updates on Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke.

Regarding Odegaard’s availability to be in contention for the Newcastle United fixture, Arteta said: “Martin will be training with us the next two days, so hopefully he'll be available for the game.”

Saka played 63 minutes of our 2-0 win away to Port Vale in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night, before being replaced by Max Dowman, but Mikel explained that the substitution was always part of the plan.

“Yeah, nothing to report there,” he said. “I think he played the games that we anticipated, he did well, he feels good and he will be training the next few days.”

Lastly, Arteta confirmed that the scan hasn’t yet taken place on Noni Madueke’s injury, after he made way at half-time of our 1-1 draw at home to Manchester City last weekend.

There were no updates provided on our other absentees, which are Piero Hincapie (groin), Kai Havertz (knee) and Gabriel Jesus (knee).