Wenger confirms twin blow

Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Gilberto and Freddie Ljungberg will miss Arsenal's clash with Newcastle.

Gilberto has returned to Brazil to deal with a family matter and is not expected back in London until the end of the weekend.

That means the 30-year-old will not be able to take his place in midfield against The Magpies on Saturday, but Wenger is confident he will be fine to play in next Tuesday's UEFA Champions League game with Hamburg.

"I had him on the phone last night, and he is there for sickness reasons," Wenger revealed.

"The situation looks quite good now, and hopefully he will be in on Monday morning, so we will see him for the Champions League game."

Ljungberg will also be rested for the visit of Newcastle despite recovering from the migraines and food poisoning he suffered while away on international duty.

The Swedish midfielder has been out for several weeks with a calf injury and Wenger is reluctant to throw him back into the fray just yet.

"I nearly wanted to pick him, but it is down to the fact that for five weeks he has not played one minute at a competitive level," he explained.