Mikel Arteta confirms Arsenal defender is out of Newcastle game

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that defender Jurrien Timber will be sidelined for the Premier League clash against Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

The Netherlands international has been a key player in the right-back position for the Gunners, but he has been sidelined since the last international break with a nagging groin injury.

He was anticipated to return in a couple of weeks, but it appears he may have suffered a setback, considering the right-back has not reported for team training as things stand.

Speaking at today's press conference, Arteta has now confirmed that Timber is ruled out of the weekend's game, but there was some good news: Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori are fit.

Saka has been a huge miss in the right-wing role for several weeks, and his return should provide a timely boost in the Gunners' pursuit of a long-awaited Premier League title.

Arsenal are just goals scored behind Manchester City at the top of the table with five more matches left in the campaign.