John Carver says Newcastle United have things “up their sleeve” for Saturday’s match against Arsenal at St James’s Park
Carver’s depleted Newcastle squad will be taking on an Arsenal side looking to go second in the Premier League.
He has described the game as one of the biggest challenges of his career following Sunday’s 3-0 loss at Everton, where captain Fabricio Coloccini was sent off.
The Newcastle head coach said: “I’ve had big challenges in the past and this is one of the biggest. It’s my job to prepare the team to bounce back from Everton.
“We are a small group and it’s a difficult time, but the only way you get through it is by sticking together and smiling.
“Arsenal are a good footballing side who like to play, so we have to be patient. But we have one or two things up our sleeve.”
Newcastle have been boosted by the return to light training of Siem de Jong.
However, he is not yet near ready for a first-team return after suffering a collapsed lung in February.
Carver added: “Siem de Jong went outside for the first time today and did a little work-out, and that was nice to see.”
Carver will be without a host of players, including suspended captain Fabricio Coloccini, for the visit of Arsene Wenger’s Gunners.
No injured players will return for the game, meaning left-back Massadio Haidara will again miss out.
But head coach Carver says he will not be turning to a host of the club’s youngsters for the match at St James’s Park.
He said: “I only have 13 fit senior players, plus two goalkeepers, for Saturday’s game.
“Saturday is not the environment for young lads, especially against an in-form Arsenal side. It’s not the right time for them.”
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