Arsenal: Mikel Arteta drops exciting new selection hint for Newcastle clash

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta thinks that Martin Odegaard could start against Newcastle this weekend, even with only two days of training to his credit.

Odegaard has missed the last three arsenal games all the competitions after aggravating a shoulder injury he did for the first time in August.

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The midfielder progresses well with his recovery, however, and should be on the team for Sunday’s trip to St James’ Park.

On Friday, Odegaard trained with Arsenal and is expected to do it again on Saturday, with Arteta that he would hear that he could start against Newcastle.

“Martin certainly has the ability not to do too much and not to train too much and to go in two days and to perform at the highest level, because he is naturally a super painful player,” said Arteta.

“He has been our starter so far this season and last season, unfortunately, he has injured and that is why he missed a few games.”

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Arsenal has a bad recent record in St James’ Park, losing their last three trips without scoring.

The Gunners defeated Newcastle in May, however, in their last home game of last season.

“Each match will be different,” said Arteta. “I did not like the first minutes that we played at the Emirates against them.

“I liked other parts. There are a lot of games that I liked in the games we played in St James’ Park, but not especially when we conceded the goals. We will have to be better.

“I think the level is better. Their level will increase, our level will increase and we will have to be our best. If we do, we will have a good chance of winning the game.

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“I always praise the work that Eddie (Howe) and coaches were done there and the way they managed to create such an atmosphere, especially at home and a very clear identity to play football. They make things really difficult.

“We know the test, we know that we will have to be much more effective than we have recently been when we played up there to win the game. We will work on the next two days.”