Eddie Howe has provided an injury update ahead of Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup clash with Manchester City, and it is not good news for Harvey Barnes.
The summer signing was named in the starting lineup against Sheffield United on Sunday, but was forced off early with an injury. Barnes looked devastated when he was replaced by Anthony Gordon in the 12th minute, who went on to be Newcastle’s man of the match.
It was only Barnes’ second start since his £39million move from Leicester City, but it now sounds like it will be a while before we see him in a Toon shirt again.
Eddie Howe provides Harvey Barnes injury update
Ahead of Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup game against Manchester City at St James’ Park, Eddie Howe has spoke to the media.
He has addressed Harvey Barnes’ fitness, and admitted that the 25-year-old will definitely not play against Pep Guardiola’s side. In fact, he could potentially be out of action for months.
“It’s an injury to his part of the foot just below the toe, it’s quite a substantial injury,” he said, as reported by the Shields Gazette.
“He had it scanned and we’re waiting now for a specialist’s opinion on what to do next and whether there is surgery involved or not.
“I don’t think it was a tackle, I think it was just pushing off to run so a very unusual injury.
“We’re fearing it could be [a while out]. I don’t want to put a time on it once we get confirmation from the specialist but we think it will be months rather than weeks.”
Devastating news for Newcastle and Barnes
That is a devastating blow for Barnes, who is yet to truly make his mark in a black and white shirt.
He was outstanding on his debut, grabbing an assist and a goal against Aston Villa. However, they are his only goal contributions for his new club.
Now he looks to be set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines, which is terrible news ahead of a really busy period for Newcastle.
Howe’s side are playing twice a week most weeks now that the Champions League has started, meaning he needs to rotate his side. That will have meant plenty of football for Barnes, who has spent a lot of time on the bench so far.
Barnes has been competing with Gordon for a place on the left wing, but now Howe will need to look elsewhere as he aims to keep his side fresh. Luckily, he does have other players who can operate on the left.
Elliot Anderson briefly played there on Sunday, while Jacob Murphy has also been used on the left of attack. Elsewhere, Joelinton is hopefully closing in on a return from injury and could be used as part of the front three, like he was to great effect last season.
But this is devastating news for Barnes, who looks set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
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