Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka and fullback Sead Kolasinac are winning their fitness battles ahead of Sunday’s game against Newcastle, according to reports.

Saka sustained a knock to both his knee and hip during the 0-0 draw versus Burnley before the winter break, but it appears that the two-week gap between games will be enough for the 18-year-old to recover in time to feature at the Emirates this weekend.

Kolasinac, meanwhile, hasn’t featured for the Gunners since the 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace after picking up a thigh problem. The Bosnian international has missed the last four games in all competitions but looks set to return for the Magpies clash.

News of the two players’ return to fitness will be a massive positive for head coach Mikel Arteta who could well have gone into the game on Sunday without a recognised left-back.

Kieran Tierney is making good progress in his recovery from a dislocated shoulder but the Scottish international is not scheduled to be back in first-team action until next month.