Two Key Arsenal Players Miss Training Hours Before Crucial Newcastle Clash

• Mikel Arteta could be without Ben White and Gabriel Magalhaes when Arsenal play Newcastle United on Monday night
• The imminent absence of the duo for the crucial match is expected to be cause for concern for Arteta who will be without Rob Holding
• Arteta's men need a win during their trip to St. James Park to recapture the top four spot as the season enters its penultimate

The pair of Ben White and Gabriel Magalhaes could miss Arsenal's mammoth Premier League clash against Newcastle United on Monday night, May 16.

The match has a lot of significance in the Gunners' hopes to seal a Champions League spot at the end of the season.

Mikel Arteta's men will head into the clash off a disappointing outing that saw them suffer a 3-0 loss against rivals, Tottenham, in their last match.

The north Londoners will therefore be hoping to secure a favourable result during their trip to St. James Park to receive their chances of finishing in the top four.

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However, they will have to do that without the pair of White and Magalhaes who look set to miss the clash.

The Sun reports the two first-choice center-backs were missing in action during Arsenal's last training session on Sunday, May 15.

Mikel Arteta facing defensive crisis ahead of Newcastle meeting

The imminent absence of the duo is expected to hand Arteta a major concern as his side prepares to play Newcastle.

Arteta is already without Rob Holding after he picked a red card during the midweek clash with Tottenham.

The Spanish boss could therefore be forced to name a makeshift defence for the Newcastle trip. with Takehiro Tomiyasu and Granit Xhaka being drafted into the backline.

Should White be available for selection, Xhaka could be deployed on the left flank to provide more cover.

Meanwhile, victory over the Magpies will see Arsenal reclaim the fourth spot currently occupied by Spurs.

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Mikel Arteta tears into Nicolas Pepe

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has come out to explain why his technical bench was frustrated with Nicolas Pepe during their 2-1 win over Leeds United on Sunday.

The Ivorian attacker has not played a lot of games this season and his decision making will be scrutinized once again as Arsenal seek to offload him in the summer.

Despite Pepe’s wasted chance, Arsenal held on to win to set themselves up nicely for a possible Champions League return next season.