Newcastle United are starting to look a little light on the left wing.
Indeed, Harvey Barnes was brought in over the course of the summer to provide cover but was cruelly struck down with a foot injury during the win over Sheffield United.
With three competitions to play in already before the FA Cup gets underway at the turn of the year, Eddie Howe must lean on his squad to cover.
Howe does have options on the left but, increasingly, they are dwindling. As if that wasn’t enough of a blow, events on Saturday made the situation worse.
Barnes is out and now another player will be missing for the trip to West Ham in the Premier League on Sunday, only days after meeting Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.
Anthony Gordon now suspended for West Ham clash
Anthony Gordon, who replaced Barnes at Bramall Lane to continue his fine start to the season, will also be unavailable.
A yellow card picked up for kicking the ball away during the Premier League clash with Burnley at St James’ Park on Saturday means the 22-year-old is suspended.
A cheap yellow card if truth to be told and something that could leave Newcastle light in east London for another big game.
Isak or Joelinton to step up
Gordon has to do better with that kind of petulance. For all of his improvement this season, he’s now left Howe without another option in an area of the pitch he was already light in.
Luckily, both Alexnader Isak and Joelinton (fitness permitting) are able to operate in that position. Still, it’s hardly ideal to be without Gordon, one of Newcastle’s standout players so far this season.
West Ham have started the season well and will not be a pushover by any means. The job just got harder.
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