The Magpies travel to the Emirates Stadium looking to arrest a recent run of four successive defeats in all competitions, while putting a dent in the Gunners' title hopes at the same time.

England international Gordon missed the loss at home to Bournemouth last weekend through injury and head coach Howe revealed the trip to the capital will again come too soon for the 25-year-old.

At his pre-match media briefing on Friday morning, Howe also provided an update on Tino Livramento's fitness after the full back was withdrawn against the Cherries last Saturday - but said he was hopeful that captain Bruno Guimarães isn't too far off a first start since February after returning to action as a substitute last time out.

Here are some of the key talking points:

On Livramento...

"With Tino, he went for a scan initially. We don't think it's a bad injury. We'll wait and see whether he'll play again this season. He's due to have another scan at the weekend to determine the full extent.

"I think Tino's very level-headed, very stable mentally. He's had a frustrating season (after) such a good season last year - he was outstanding, was fit and available and really contributed to what we delivered.

"This year's been different and that's just the life of a footballer I'm afraid. He's never been able to get that run of games to find his best form. He's an outstanding player."

On Gordon...

"Anthony won't make the game. He hasn't trained this week, again not a serious injury, but not in time for this game. Hopefully (he'll be fit) for next week."

On the impact of the recent run...

"We're all feeling that pain at the moment. It's been a difficult period for us. We're very determined to try and put that right and determined to try and win as many games as we can.

"We've prided ourselves historically on if we lose a game, fighting to the end and giving everything to try and get a result. I feel the players are currently at the moment maybe lacking in a little bit of confidence - we've lost a bit of our normal regular flow and rhythm that we've had.

"There's only one way to re-find that though and that's through, in my opinion, hard work, a really good period of training, players staying very stable mentally and seeing it for what it is, and just trying to rediscover and enjoy their football and find their best form again."

On Guimarães...

"He's had a full week of training and he's trained really well - I've been very pleased with him. It's been tough for him. I think you could see against Bournemouth, he came on with all the right intentions, to deliver a really big physical performance, but you could see that he was struggling at times physically to adapt top the pace because he'd had minimal training.

"But he was playing on heart and spirit and determination, and the week he's had this week will serve him really well. He's such an important player for us on so many levels and of course we're keen to get him on the pitch as quickly as possible. I've just got to make sure it's not to his detriment.

"It's been great to have him back around the group though - he's such a positive person, and he can only help and inspire the players around him."