Martin Odegaard missed Arsenal’s recent games against Newcastle and Sevilla due to concussion after taking a blow to the face in training.
Odegaard has been struggling with a hip injury, but his omission for the trip to St James’ Park and the home Champions League game was as a result of an unrelated issue.
The Gunners captain took a ball to the face during a session at the club’s London Colney HQ in the lead up to the loss on Tyneside.
The blow was heavy enough for Odegaard to be checked out for concussion and he was immediately withdrawn from the starting XI that was due to face Eddie Howe’s men.