Arsenal pair Tierney and Martinelli back in training ahead of Newcastle match | OneFootball

Kieran Tierney and Gabriel Martinelli have returned to first-team training ahead of Arsenal's Premier League clash with Newcastle United.

Influential left-back Tierney missed Thursday's home draw with Crystal Palace due to muscle soreness and underwent an MRI scan on Friday to determine the extent of the problem.

His absence was felt in that stalemate, with no Arsenal player having created more chances this season than the Scotland international's 28 across all competitions.

Martinelli, meanwhile, has not featured since the end of December. He injured an ankle on January 9 in the warm-up ahead of Arsenal's 2-0 win over Newcastle in the FA Cup.

However, the teenage forward is in contention to return in Monday's league clash with the same opponents, while Tierney will be further assessed ahead of the match.

An update on Arsenal's official website on Sunday read: "Gabi is now back in full training and is available for selection.

"Kieran has recovered from his tight calf and is back in training with the squad. Kieran will be assessed and tested ahead of Monday's match."

Pablo Mari is Arsenal's only confirmed absentee for the game, with the centre-back continuing his rehabilitation from a calf injury sustained in training.

Speaking on Friday, Mikel Arteta revealed he expects Mari to miss Arsenal's "next few games".

Arsenal head into Monday's match looking to build on a return of 14 wins in their last 15 Premier League meetings with Newcastle, the only loss in that run coming in April 2018.

The Gunners have kept 25 Premier League clean sheets against Newcastle - only Manchester United have kept more against a single opponent in the competition's history (27 against both Tottenham and Aston Villa).