📣 Arteta provides Ødegaard, Jesus and Smith Rowe fitness updates | OneFootball

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has provided fitness updates on three of his key players ahead of Saturday’s trip to face Newcastle.

Captain Martin Ødegaard came off the bench during Wednesday’s EFL Cup defeat at West Ham, having been carrying a hip injury in recent weeks.

But Arteta hinted that the Norwegian midfielder has a good chance of being in the starting line-up at St James’ Park.

“He had a little issue [hip]. He felt a lot better in the last few days,” Arteta told reporters on Friday.

“He will train today and if he is fine, he will be ready.”

But the news is less promising for Gabriel Jesus and Emile Smith Rowe.

Jesus picked up a muscle injury in the recent Champions League victory over Sevilla, and when asked if there was a chance of the Brazilian returning before the international break later this month, Arteta’s response was pessimistic.

“I cannot guarantee that. I said it will be weeks,” he said.

And it’s a similar story for Smith Rowe, who has suffered another injury setback after making his first league start of the season against Sheffield United last week.

“Nothing has changed. He will be out for weeks,” said Arteta, when asked whether the 23-year-old is likely to be fit for the weekend.