Mikel Arteta’s key selection dilemma and how Newcastle can take advantage

Newcastle United have a chance to make a statement on Monday when they take on Arsenal - proving they can mix it with Champions League level opposition ahead of a summer of crucial investment.

Consecutive defeats to Liverpool and Manchester City showed just how far the Magpies are from the league’s two elite clubs, but Arsenal are the kind of team that they hope to be challenging in the near future. Newcastle will have goals next season to be part of the pack pushing for Europe and they can strengthen their bid with a win on Monday.

Eddie Howe will be aware of a key selection problem for Mikel Arteta, who has hinted that he will be without any fully-fit senior centre-backs for the trip to St James’ Park. Rob Holding was sent off for a needless elbow on Heung-Min son during Thursday’s 3-0 defeat at Tottenham, while Gabriel’s hamstring strain compounding their derby-day misery - both will miss Monday’s trip to Newcastle.

That leaves Ben White who returned to the Gunners squad during the week after a thigh injury picked up against Manchester United in April, but he was only fit enough for the bench. He will likely be rushed back into the starting line-up as a matter of necessity - but who joins him in the middle remains to be seen.

Speaking in the build-up for the trip to Newcastle, Arteta admitted he may have to ‘modify’ certain positions in order to avoid fielding academy players.

“Good question. I will know probably more tomorrow.” Arteta said when asked how he will line up defensively on Monday. “We want to extend this period as much as possible to understand how they are recovering, how they are feeling, assess them and tomorrow we will know more about how they are.

“We will have to modify certain positions to try to