Balogun, Okonkwo involved in Arsenal's final workout in Spain before flying to Newcastle

Published: May 01, 2021

Arsenal have finalized their preparations for Sunday's Premier League match against Newcastle United at St James' Park.

Two teenagers of Nigerian descent in the shape of Folarin Balogun and goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo were involved in the Gunners final workout in Valencia on Saturday, May 1, before the squad flies to Newcastle for the gameweek 34 fixture.

The two 19-year-olds also took part in Friday's training session, a day after their narrow loss to Villarreal in the UEFA Europa League.

As for team news, Frenchman Alex Lacazette will sit out the game against the Magpies as he is still recovering from a left hamstring injury suffered against Fulham about two weeks ago.

The absence of Lacazette will push Balogun up the pecking order of attackers, but behind Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Martinelli.

Unlike the Europa League meeting against Villarreal, Okonkwo is not guaranteed a place in the matchday squad vs Newcastle United as manager Mikel Arteta has to name only two goalkeepers in the squad.

The Gunners have taken only five points from their last five matches in the Premier League - winning against Sheffield United, drawing with West Ham and Fulham, while losing against Liverpool and Everton.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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