Arsenal issue injury update ahead of tough Newcastle test

Arsenal have confirmed Kieran Tierney has returned to training and is in contention to face Newcastle on Monday night.

Tierney was left out of the squad to face Crystal Palace on Thursday as a precaution due to a complaint with his right calf.

The left-back was sent for a scan to assess the extent of the injury, with the results showing the muscle was not torn.

He has now returned to first-team training and will face a late test to prove his fitness ahead of the Premier League clash with Newcastle.

"Kieran has recovered from his tight calf and is back in training with the squad," Arsenal wrote on their official website.

Tierney has returned to first-team training ahead of the Magpies clash.

"Kieran will be assessed and tested ahead of Monday’s match."

The Gunners also provided updates on Gabriel Martinelli and Pablo Mari, who have both been missing since the 2-0 FA Cup win over Newcastle earlier in January.

Martinelli suffered an injury to his right ankle in the warm-up to the third-round tie, while Mari sustained a minor calf strain during the match.

"Gabi is now back in full training and is available for selection," said the statement.

It added: "Pablo has sustained a mild strain to his calf and will continue to rehabilitate in the coming days."

After Arsenal failed to find a way through Crystal Palace, Brazilian forward Martinelli may be thrown straight back into the mix as the Gunners host Newcastle.

But the match will come too soon for Mari, leaving David Luiz, Gabriel and Rob Holding likely to compete for the two central spots in the back four.

Kieran Tierney is likely to slot back in on the left side of defence and will hope to rekindle his fine form. The Scotland international has been directly involved in three goals in his last three Premier League games.