Mertesacker to miss Newcastle trip

Per Mertesacker is set to miss Arsenal’s trip to Newcastle - because he does not want to take antibiotics.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger revealed German players do not like taking antibiotics, and says Mertesacker is reluctant to take the treatment for a chest infection.

That means Arsenal are still gripped by a defensive crisis, with Mertesacker's centre-back partner Laurent Koscielny also a major doubt because of a back problem.

The duo missed Monday’s goalless draw with Liverpool, but it is a surprise that Mertesacker has not recovered.