Newcastle United are waiting on key attacking duo Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon to prove their fitness to face Arsenal on Saturday lunchtime.
Isak scored in the cup win over Chelsea in midweek but has struggled for fitness all season while Gordon has a groin injury.
Howe said: “They both feel OK. We will assess how they feel today.
“Sometimes 48 hours after the game you can feel different to 24 hours. It’s not necessarily a straight line with how the body feels. They have both had niggling injuries so we’ll make a decision today.”
Sean Longstaff, Lloyd Kelly and Emil Krafth all impressed after coming into the side in midweek but could return to the bench.
The Magpies are without a Premier League win since the middle of September and Howe says his side are ready for a stiff examination from the title-challenging Gunners.
Eddie Howe on last season’s win against Arsenal at St. James’ Park:
“I do remember it being a great atmosphere, very physical and competitive game. Two teams really going at it. It was a really good advert for the Premier League. Positive emotions from that game.” pic.twitter.com/d2C9oCPadL
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) November 1, 2024
He said: “They are a very good team with a very good manager. We play one of the most consistent teams in the Premier League for the last couple of years so the challenge for us is never easy, but we’re at home.
“Arsenal have done very well this season; they are very good from set-plays and a physical team. We need to be ready for that test.”
Sandro Tonali is expected to play a key part in midfield against Declan Rice, and Howe says the Italian has impressed him with his versatility since coming back into the team this season.
“Sandro can definitely play both positions, whether it be higher or lower, and that’s why we recruited him in a way, because he had that versatility,” Howe said.
“We didn’t want to sign one player for one position. We needed that flexibility, especially going into a Champions League season that we faced.”
