Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon is unlikely to play in the upcoming match against Nottingham Forest due to an ankle injury. However, the club is relieved to report that the injury is not as serious as initially feared. Gordon was taken off at halftime during Newcastle’s 4-4 draw against Luton Town on Saturday after rolling his right ankle. He left the stadium on crutches and wearing a protective boot.
After undergoing scans, Newcastle’s medical team is confident that Gordon’s ankle issue is not a significant injury. While he may not be able to make a return for the Nottingham Forest game, there is hope that he will be back in action for the match against Bournemouth on February 17. The club has a week’s break following the Forest game, which will provide additional recovery time for Gordon.
Head coach Eddie Howe revealed that it was Gordon’s decision to come off the field, as he was unable to shake off the pain during halftime. This shows the player’s commitment to his own well-being and his understanding of the potential risks of playing through an injury.
Newcastle has been plagued by injuries throughout the season, with several key players currently unfit. Joelinton, Nick Pope, Alexander Isak, and Joe Willock are all dealing with their own injury concerns. Despite these setbacks, Gordon has emerged as one of Newcastle’s most important players this season. He has scored seven goals and provided eight assists, both of which are career highs for him. His impressive performances have also caught the attention of England manager Gareth Southgate, who is considering including him in the squad for this summer’s European Championship.
Gordon’s injury opens up an opportunity for Harvey Barnes to potentially make his first start since suffering his own injury back in September. Barnes made a goalscoring return off the bench in the Luton game, finding the back of the net in the 73rd minute.
Newcastle currently sits in ninth place in the Premier League table but is only five points behind sixth-placed Manchester United. Despite the injury setbacks, the team has shown resilience and has the potential to climb up the table with key players like Gordon returning to full fitness.
In conclusion, while Anthony Gordon is unlikely to play in the upcoming match against Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United is relieved that his ankle injury is not as serious as initially feared. The club’s medical team is confident that he will make a return in the near future, potentially for the match against Bournemouth. Gordon’s absence presents an opportunity for Harvey Barnes to step up and make his first start since his own injury. Despite injuries to key players, Newcastle remains determined to climb up the Premier League table and close the gap on teams above them.