Anthony Gordon became Newcastle United’s latest injury scare on Sunday.
While Newcastle beat Nottingham Forest 3-1 at the City Ground, Toon fans were sweating over the fitness of Anthony Gordon.
The 23-year-old was forced off during the second half with a hip problem, with Harvey Barnes taking his place on the left wing in the 80th minute. It proved to be a fruitful change, as Barnes scored Newcastle United’s third goal of the afternoon.
After the game, Eddie Howe stated that he hoped Gordon’s injury was not serious, but the fact he had to come off cast doubt over his inclusion in the England squad.
But while eight players have withdrawn from the current Three Lions camp, Gordon is still part of the group.
Anthony Gordon shares injury update
That is because Gordon insists he is not injured, having been assessed by the England medical team.
The winger was part of the pre-match press conference in Athens ahead of Thursday night’s game against Greece, and was asked if he had to tell Newcastle that he wanted to be involved after picking up a knock.
“I didn’t really have to say,” he said.
“They know how I feel about playing for England. They knew my wishes anyway.
“It was more about coming here, getting assessed to see how I was, if I was fit to play. And I was. Obviously, if I’m fit to play, I was going to play for England.”
Newcastle will hope Gordon avoids injury on England duty
It had looked like Gordon would miss this England camp, but he appears to have proven that he is fit enough to feature in the Nations league games against Greece and Republic of Ireland.
Given the number of withdrawals, Gordon could play a starring role for his country, after disappointing during the previous international break. Gordon was poor against Greece at Wembley, then did not feature in the win over Finland.
If he felt he was fit enough to play, Gordon was always going to join up with the England squad. He is very committed when it comes to representing his country, and Newcastle officials will just have to hope that he avoids any other injury issues while he is away.
While Gordon represents England, the Newcastle United players that are not on international duty are off to Saudi Arabia for a warm weather training camp.
Eddie Howe will put his players through their paces in the Middle East heat, but will be without a lot of his top stars. Newcastle have 11 senior players away on international duty, with Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall joining Gordon in the England squad.
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