Newcastle United will be without Anthony Gordon for their Premier League clash against Brentford on Wednesday.
Gordon is undoubtedly one of Newcastle United’s best players and will be crucial for the Premier League run-in. In 34 appearances across all competitions this season, he’s scored nine goals while registering seven assists.
Eddie Howe’s side are sixth in the Premier League table but sit just a point behind fifth-placed Manchester City heading into Wednesday’s round of fixtures.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 2 |  ArsenalArsenal | 30 | 17 | 10 | 3 | 55 | 25 | 30 | 61 |
| 3 |  Nottm ForestNottingham Forest | 30 | 17 | 6 | 7 | 50 | 35 | 15 | 57 |
| 4 |  ChelseaChelsea | 29 | 14 | 7 | 8 | 53 | 37 | 16 | 49 |
| 5 |  Man CityManchester City | 29 | 14 | 6 | 9 | 55 | 40 | 15 | 48 |
| 6 |  NewcastleNewcastle | 28 | 14 | 5 | 9 | 47 | 38 | 9 | 47 |
| 7 |  BrightonBrighton | 29 | 12 | 11 | 6 | 48 | 42 | 6 | 47 |
| 8 |  FulhamFulham | 30 | 12 | 9 | 9 | 44 | 40 | 4 | 45 |
| 9 |  Aston VillaAston Villa | 29 | 12 | 9 | 8 | 41 | 45 | -4 | 45 |
The Premier League could be afforded five spots for next season’s Champions League and the race is speeding up. Chelsea, City, Newcastle, Brighton, Fulham, Aston Villa and Bournemouth all hold a realistic chance for qualifying for Europe’s elite club competition as a result.
Even Brentford down in 11th as things stand can’t be definitively ruled out just yet, particularly having won five consecutive Premier League away games ahead of their trip to St James’ Park.
Sadly for Newcastle, they will be without Gordon for the visit of the Bees.
Why Anthony Gordon isn’t playing for Newcastle United vs Brentford
The main reason for his absence is the fact Gordon is suspended against Brentford, having been shown a straight red card against Brighton in the FA Cup fifth round in early March.
The England international subsequently missed the Premier League win over West Ham later that month before being forced to sit out of Newcastle’s Carabao Cup final win against Liverpool at Wembley.
Gordon’s suspension is over after the Brentford game, though he may not have played anyway even if he was available.
Indeed, Gordon is yet to resume full training after picking up a thigh injury while playing for England earlier this month.
| Games | Wins | Draws | Losses |
| 7 | 3 | 3 | 1 |
Newcastle United manager Howe, however, has suggested the 24-year-old is not too far off a return.
“Anthony has a really nasty bruise in and around his thigh/groin area,” he said.
“He’s up and running, feeling quite good.
“We haven’t seen him train with the group yet. We anticipate he will do that in the next few days, hopefully.”
- READ MORE: Newcastle United’s predicted XI vs Brentford
Who will replace Anthony Gordon for Newcastle against Brentford?
Howe has a number of options, though perhaps only one standout.
Joelinton and Joe Willock could both feasibly operate on the left wing but Harvey Barnes surely deserves another start.
Barnes was excellent in the Carabao Cup final and also provided the assist from which Bruno Guimaraes scored in the crucial win over West Ham only a few days before.
After a difficult season for the former Leicester man, Barnes is looking for more first-team minutes at Newcastle.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
