Arsenal injury news: Alexis Sanchez still missing but Mathieu Flamini returns

Arsene Wenger still has a number of injuries to contend with

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is still without Alexis Sanchez but has been boosted by the return of midfielder Mathieu Flamini.

Calum Chambers had to play in midfield against Bournemouth because of the number injuries but Flamini could return alongside Aaron Ramsey.

Alexis Sanchez is close to a return but will not be risked against Newcastle and is instead likely to make a comeback in the FA Cup tie against Sunderland on 9 January.

There are still a number of injuries in the squad with Jack Wilshere, Mikel Arteta, Francis Coquein, Danny Welbeck, Santi Cazorla and Tomas Rosicky still missing.

Steve McClaren's Newcastle squad is also decimated by injuries.

Vurnon Anita has joined goalkeeper Rob Elliott on the sidelines with eight other players - more than any other team in the Premier League.

Rolando Aarons and striker Emmanuel Riviere are back in training, but No 1 goalkeeper Tim Krul, Mike Williamson and Steven Taylor, Massadio Haidara, midfielder Gabriel Obertan and striker Papiss Cisse are all out.