John Carver has just 13 senior outfield players to select from as United prepare to entertain Arsenal



By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor

Head coach John Carver has just 13 senior outfield players to select from as Newcastle United entertain Arsenal in the Barclays Premier League on Saturday (3pm kick-off).

As well as a lengthy injury list, the Magpies have also lost captain Fabricio Coloccini and leading scorer Papiss Cisse to suspension, with the pair missing the next three and six matches respectively.

And while Siem de Jong, Mehdi Abeid and Rolando Aarons are all back in light training, they will not be ready to face the Gunners at St. James' Park this weekend.

"I haven't really got a selection problem as I've only got 13 fit senior players, plus two goalkeepers, so that won't be too difficult," explained Carver.

"There's no sign of anybody coming back in the near future, other than Mehdi Abeid - who could be a week or so away - and Rolando Aarons, who we are still working on. Everyone else is more or less long-term.

"Siem de Jong went outside for the first time today and did a little workout, which was nice to see."

Youngsters Jamie Sterry and Olivier Kemen - both regulars for United's under-21 team - were part of the matchday squad which travelled to Everton last weekend.

And although they are likely to be involved again, Carver is wary about giving his rookies a baptism of fire.

"I would love to stick a couple of the young lads in but I don't think it's the right environment, certainly against an in-form side like Arsenal," he continued.

"I watched them (Arsenal) on Tuesday night and they were pretty impressive, so it's not the right time for the young lads to go into a situation like this."

Tickets for Saturday's Barclays Premier League fixture against Arsenal are still available. To secure your seat at St. James' Park, click here.