The 15 players who could miss Arsenal vs Newcastle United today

Eddie Howe and Mikel Arteta face some late decisions over who could feature in today's Emirates clash

Both Newcastle United and Arsenal will be without some key players for today's second vs third Premier League clash at the Emirates - with some late calls to be made on returning stars.

With some much at stake, Eddie Howe and Mikel Arteta would love to have fully-fit squads available to them today, but both have some important players ruled out. United have made the journey south without several stars, and Howe was awaiting news on whether two others would be fit to take part today.

In his pre-match media briefing, he confirmed Kieran Trippier and Joelinton would not have recovered in time for today's game. Trippier missed the win over Chelsea with a calf problem, with Howe saying: "I don't think will be fit for this weekend, but again, it's not a big injury, a very minor calf problem."

Joelinton watched the win over Chelsea from the stands - in a retro Newcastle shirt - but is ruled out with a knee injury, along with long-term absentees Lewis Hall and Matt Targett. Both left-backs are expected to be fit for pre-season.

However, Howe was less certain about Sven Botman and Joe Willock, with both players having a chance of being involved. Botman started against Chelsea but suffered more knee troubles which have curbed his training team last week. Willock was close to a recovery from a thigh injury, with Howe saying: "We'll leave the door open for him, I think he's got a slight chance."

Arsenal's situation is even less certain, although some players are definitely out, starting with the suspended Mikel Merino, The former Newcastle midfielder was sent off in the 2-2 draw at Liverpool so sits today's game out.

The Gunners have sone long-term absentees, with Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus out until the end of 2025 after rupturing his ACL, and central defender Gabriel Magalhaes missing the rest of the campaign after having hamstring surgery. Veteran Italian midfielder Jorginho won't play again this term, nor will full-back Takehiro Tomiyasu, after he had knee surgery.

England midfielder Declan Rice missed the draw at Anfield with injury but has been pictured in training this week, so has a chance of being involved, while Arteta confirmed it was going to be a close call on attacking trio Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli.

Havertz's season was thought to be over, but the German forward has made good progress recovering from a thigh problem, while Trossard and Martinelli have been nursing knocks all week.

"They've done parts, not a complete session, so we're going to have to wait and see tomorrow if they can deal with things that they haven't done," Arteta said on Friday. "They weren't ready to do that at the end of the week."