Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has confirmed that the Magpies will be without one of their top attackers against Nottingham Forest due to injury.
Anthony Gordon hurt his ankle during the 4-4 draw with Luton Town last weekend, and ended up leaving St James’ Park on crutches.
That led to panic from Toon fans, but those fears have slightly subsided after reports that 22-year-old’s injury is not as bad as first feared.
However, there was no sign of Gordon in training this week, hinting that he would not be able to feature at the City Ground on Saturday night.
Now Eddie Howe has spoke about Gordon’s injury, and has confirmed that the former Everton winger will not be available for selection.
Eddie Howe confirms Anthony Gordon injury
Howe has spoke to the media ahead of Nottingham Forest vs Newcastle United and provided an injury update on Anthony Gordon.
“He hasn’t trained this week,” he told the Chronicle.
“But we don’t think the injury is serious. We’re hopeful he’ll be back sooner rather than later.”
Newcastle will be without Gordon against Nottingham Forest
As expected, Gordon is not going to play for Newcastle this weekend. It will be just the second game he has missed all season, with the other being West Ham away – and that was due to suspension rather than injury.
With Gordon set to miss out, Howe will be forced into at least one change to the starting XI that drew with Luton. Gordon played as a striker last Saturday, so the obvious choice to come in is Callum Wilson. The 31-year-old is back after his own injury and played 45 minutes last time out.
While it is a blow to be without Gordon, Howe’s comments suggest that it won’t be a lengthy absence. The Newcastle boss appears to be confident that his number 10 will be back soon, and hopefully that proves to be the case.
Then again, you can never be too sure when it comes to Eddie Howe and injury updates…
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