For Sunday’s win over Wolves, Eddie Howe utilised his squad for the first time in a while.
Miguel Almiron and Callum Wilson dropped out of the starting lineup, with Alexander Isak and Jacob Murphy coming in as Newcastle United ground out a much-needed win.
That tinkering appeared to give the team a new lease of life, particularly in the first-half. Still, as promising as that was to see, few would doubt Howe hardly has the biggest squad on which to rely.
Murphy has scored only once this season, hardly providing a huge amount in the way of goal threat. While he deserves credit, the idea of him providing a genuine mainstay option during a battle to qualify for the Champions League seems ambitious at best.
So then, it’s worrying to hear the latest team news.
Anthony Gordon injury update
Indeed, Howe confirmed Anthony Gordon’s injury is worse than first feared.
The £40m star has only made four starts for the club since his move from Everton and, before the win over Wolves, the club confirmed Gordon was out with an ankle problem.
Speaking at Thursday’s pre-match press conference (via The Chronicle), Howe said: “It’s slightly more serious than that, so we’re doing everything we can to get him back as quickly as possible.
“At the moment he’s in a period where he’s staying off the grass, staying off his feet, and the injury’s healing. It feels good, but he’s got work to do to get ready for that game.”
More worryingly, the head coach also hinted other players missed training in the build-up to Friday’s trip to Nottingham Forest.
“We hope to have the majority available.”
Forest is a must-win game
Even taking potential injuries into account, Newcastle simply need to win at the City Ground.
Not only would claiming three points before fourth-placed meet Southampton provide a huge mental boost, Forest are in dire straits. Steve Cooper’s side are without a win in five games and, while they have better at home than away, look there for the taking.
With Manchester United up after the international break, heading into the pause in domestic action with three points is of the utmost importance.