EPL: Arsene Wenger sweating over Arsenal's defenders' injuries

New Castle: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed injuries to Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker may force him to name a second choice defence again at Newcastle today.

France international Koscielny and German World Cup winner Mertesacker both sat out of the 0-0 draw with Liverpool and are doubts for the Premier League trip to St James' Park.

Koscielny remains with a back problem and Mertesacker has struggled to shake off a sickness bug, so Gabriel and Calum Chambers could continue in Wenger's back-line.

"Mertesacker is still sick and we will know more about Koscielny today," Wenger said on Thursday. "He might have a test on his back and I'll know tomorrow morning. The less likely to be fit is Mertesacker."

There is promising news on England forward Danny Welbeck and midfielder Jack Wilshere, both of whom are progressing following knee and leg problems that have prevented them from playing. "Danny Welbeck is progressing well," said Wenger.