Arsenal's Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny doubtful for Newcastle United clash

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny are doubtful for Saturday's Premier League trip to Newcastle United.

The centre-backs missed Monday's goalless draw against Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium, with Mertesacker ruled out through illness and Koscielny with a back injury.

Wenger says that Mertesacker is unlikely to feature St James' Park, while Koscielny has an outside chance of playing.

"Mertesacker is still sick and Koscielny will have a test and I'll know more after that," the Gunners boss told the Daily Mail. "At the moment it seems Koscielny is most likely."

Calum Chambers and Gabriel Paulista deputised in the pair's absence against Liverpool.