Arsenal's Koscielny, Mertesacker doubtful against Newcastle

English Premier League (EPL) club Arsenal head coach Arsene Wenger on Thursday admitted that his side could be without defenders Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker again in Saturday's away match against Newcastle United.

French international footballer Koscielny has not fully recovered from a back injury which kept him out of Monday's Liverpool game while Mertesacker, member of the 2014 FIFA World Cup-winning German side, is also still ill.

It means Calum Chambers and Gabriel could play again on Saturday with Wenger desperately hoping that either Koscielny or Mertesacker recover in time.

"Mertesacker is still sick and we will know more about Koscielny today. He might have a test on his back today and I will certainly know more tomorrow morning. The less likely to be fit is Mertesacker," Wenger was quoted as saying by mirror.co.uk.

However, Wenger hoped that forward Danny Welbeck and midfielder Jack Wilshere will soon be back after the international break.

"Danny Welbeck is progressing well. He should be available, if all goes well, after the international break," said Wenger.

"Jack Wilshere is just behind Welbeck, maybe one week after the international break he will certainly come back into full training, the Frenchman added.

Wenger has also backed Aaron Ramsey's call for video technology on offside decisions after the Arsenal midfielder was wrongly ruled out against Liverpool.

Goal line technology has already been brought in to good effect and Wenger is convinced that offside decisions will be next.