Arsene Wenger has given the latest updates ahead of Arsenal’s game against Newcastle this weekend.

With Per Mertesacker missing the Liverpool game with illness and Laurent Koscielny picking up a ‘mild’ back problem, the boss was forced to throw Calum Chambers and Gabriel into the mix against Liverpool and the pair could be reunited this weekend against the Magpies.

Speaking at his press conference, Arsene said that Per is still ill while Kos will face a fitness test ahead of the game, which is something – at least he’s not likely to be sidelined for three months like the standard Arsenal injury.

“I don’t know,” said Wenger when asked whether Per and Kos would be available.

“Mertesacker is still sick and we will know more about Koscielny today. He might have a test on his back and I will certainly know more tomorrow [Friday] morning. The less likely to be fit is Mertesacker.

“I would like them to be available but that’s part of the season, and you can’t complain about that.”

Danny Welbeck will not be back in action until after the international break when the boss expects him to return from the knee injury he picked up last season that was initially only supposed to rule him out for three weeks.

“Welbeck is progressing well and should be back after the international break,” Wenger told the assembled reporters.