Arsenal confirm Pablo Mari debut date with defender set to miss Newcastle clash

Pablo Mari will sit out of Arsenal's clash against Newcastle this weekend but could make his debut against Olympiacos in the Europa League on Thursday.

The Spanish defender joined the club in January on a loan deal which will run until the end of the season, but he did not feature in the Gunners' 0-0 draw against Burnley last time out.

It had been expected that the 26-year-old would make his Gunners bow in the home game against the Magpies on Sunday, but it appears he is still not quite fully up to speed.

The club's official website provided an update on the player which read: "Pablo Mari- In full training following transfer from Brazil pre-season. Aiming to be available for selection for Olypiacos (a)."

Fellow new signing Cedric Soares will also miss out, with the statement on the defender reading: "Left knee. Progressing well with gym work. Aiming to be in full training by the end of February."

There was some good news for Arsenal fans, however, with Sead Kolasinac and Reiss Nelson back available for selection after they missed four games each with respective thigh and hamstring injuries. Bukayo Saka is also fit despite coming off at half-time in the game against Burnley.

The Gunners are looking for their first win in the Premier League since their victory over Manchester United on January 1, with Mikel Arteta's side having drawn their last four in a row.

The team have been training in Dubai during their winter break and will look to have a strong end to the season after what has been a generally poor campaign.

They sit 10 points off the top four but are still in contention in both the Europa League and the FA Cup, where they face a favourable-looking last-16 tie against League One side Portsmouth.