As injuries mount up at Newcastle United, Eddie Howe might have to get creative in the very near future.
Newcastle are missing players all over the pitch. Defender Sven Botman is out of action, midfielders Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali (suspension) are unavailable, while striker Alexander Isak is suffering with a groin problem.
His absence is the most concerning for Newcastle, as it leaves Eddie Howe with just one fully fit centre-forward. That is Callum Wilson, who has scored seven goals for the club this season.
There is no doubt about his ability in Isak’s absence. The concern is his durability.
Wilson has always had injury problems, and they have been an issue this season already with the 31-year-old recently missing three games with a hamstring issue.
He is back now, but with Newcastle now set for three games in six days, it is difficult to envision him featuring in each one.
That could force Howe to get creative and pick someone to play out of position, and it sounds like the most likely candidate to get that job is Anthony Gordon.
Eddie Howe signed Anthony Gordon because of his versatility
Ahead of Newcastle’s Carabao Cup clash with Manchester United, Howe has spoke to the media. He was asked about the Magpies’ lack of strikers and whether someone could be asked to play out of position.
“Well that was one of the reasons for signing Anthony, who can play as a centre-forward,” he said.
“He played there in the Euros for England and did a great job so for me, and there are other players who can play up there like Harvey and Joelinton.
“The trouble is you are alluding to recruiting a third striker, and we didn’t have the resources to do that. You can only go with the information you had at the time.”
Newcastle must test Gordon through the middle against Man United
Howe is confident that Gordon can play up front for Newcastle, and that should be put to the test on Wednesday night.
While the cup game is important, it is more likely that Howe will prioritise the league clash with Arsenal and the European match against Borussia Dortmund.
Therefore, Wednesday is the time to rest Callum Wilson. And with no other real options, Gordon should get the chance to lead the line.
It will be a big responsibility for the 22-year-old, but he has risen to the occasion so much already this season. He has transformed into a player who Howe can massively rely on, and that should lead to him starting up front against Manchester United.
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