Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, says first-choice central defensive pair, Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny remain doubtful for the Gunners’ trip to Newcastle on Saturday.

Illness and a back inujry prevented the pair from playing in Monday’s goalless draw against Liverpool, with Callum Chambers and Gabriel Paulista filling in for the absent duo.

The gunners have picked just four points from their opening three Premier League games, and Wenger put the club’s slow start down to a lack of match fitness.

Arsenal have won seven in a row against Newcastle United and Wenger is confident his side can overcome what he expects to be a tough match to improve the streak to eight.