Arsenal team news: Defensive woes continue ahead of Newcastle trip

Arsenal's defensive woes are unlikely to improve before this weekend's trip to Newcastle.

Laurent Koscielny will have a fitness test on his back today (Thursday), but Per Mertesacker is all but ruled out with illness.

Manager Arsene Wenger said: "Mertesacker is still sick and Koscielny will have a test today on his back. Mert is less likely to be fit."

There is some good news for Gunners fans, with Danny Welbeck doing well on his road to recovery from a knee injury and and Jack Wilshere close behind him following his ankle problem.

"Welbeck is progressing well and if all goes well he should be back after the international break," Wenger said.

"Wilshere will be back training a week after Welbeck."