Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger would head-out with his men to St James’ Park without his two most trusted defenders, and would be hoping the horrendous Monday night’s first half showing of youngster Calum Chambers would not repeat itself away from home.
The Gunners held on to a goalless draw at the Emirates on Monday night against arch rivals Liverpool, with Wenger forced to field out a new centre-back pairing of Gabriel Paulista and Chambers – for the first time this season.
Wenger was certainly hoping to have Mertesacker and Koscielny back for weekend’s game against the Magpies.
However, it would appear as though we would witness another nerve-wrecking Chambers and Paulista defensive partnership as Per and Kos are expected to miss out yet again.
Mertesacker is still out with a serious illness, while Koscielny is carrying a back injury, and everything suggests the duo will not recover in time for the clash against Steve McClaren’s men on Saturday.