Arsenal handed Granit Xhaka injury boost

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided an update on Granit Xhaka's fitness ahead of the Newcastle United game on Saturday.

The Switzerland international has been out with a knee injury since late September, but it appears that he could return ahead of schedule.

The 29-year-old has already returned to individual training, and Arteta has hinted that he could make his comeback before the New Year.

Xhaka has been a key performer for the north London club. In his injury absence, Albert Lokonga and Ainsley Maitland-Niles have filled the void.

Lokonga has been poor with his decision-making in recent games, and Maitland-Niles could be picked to partner Thomas Partey this weekend.

The Gunners are currently fifth in the Premier League standings, three points adrift of West Ham United, who hold the final Champions League spot.

They are favourites to beat the Magpies in Saturday's early kick-off. The club have not lost to the Tyneside outfit at home since 2010.