Arsenal have recalled Francis Coquelin from his loan at Charlton to ease their mounting injury list.
Coquelin, 23, joined Charlton on loan in November and made five Championship appearances before Gunners boss Arsene Wenger opted to bring him back to the club on Friday.
Wenger's squad was dealt another setback this week when Aaron Ramsey was ruled out for the festive fixture programme with a hamstring injury.
The Welshman joins the likes of Laurent Koscielny (calf), Nacho Monreal (ankle) and Calum Chambers (suspended) as absentees ahead of Saturday's meeting with Newcastle.
Coquelin, who has been at Arsenal since 2008 but has struggled for a regular role in the side, can operate as a defensive midfielder and also at full-back.
Wenger confirmed on Friday that he could play right-back Mathieu Debuchy in the centre of defence alongside Per Mertesacker.
"That is what I have to decide," the French coach said. "I have asked him already.
"Yes, of course [it's a big ask], but the solution I have to decide will not be ideal, it will be a gamble. But there is not a massive difference between right-back and centre-back."