Newcastle United suffered Carabao Cup heartbreak on Tuesday night.
Despite leading for most of the game thanks to Callum Wilson’s opener, a late mistake from Kieran Trippier allowed Chelsea back into the contest and the hosts won a penalty shootout at Stamford Bridge to progress into the final four of the Carabao Cup.
What started so well ended in miserable fashion for Eddie Howe and his side. Only days after their exit from Europe, the Magpies were left with only the FA Cup to play for in terms of silverware this season.
They also lost another player to injury. Anthony Gordon came off just after the break, adding to the woes.
Anthony Gordon injury: Newcastle star forced off against Chelsea
Gordon had been carrying a knock, having come off against AC Milan in the Champions League.
While he played against Fulham on Saturday, the 22-year-old was on the end of a reasonably controversial challenge from Moises Caicedo, one Gary Neville believed was a red card.
Whether or not that tackle had an impact on his performance is of course up for debate but there was little doubt Gordon, who has largely been excellent this season, did not look at his very best.
Indeed, Sky Sports commentator and pundit Don Goodman was even shocked the former Everton star came back out after half-time, only to go off a few minutes later.
“We saw him hobbling during the first-half,” he said on the Sky Sports broadcast.
“He had very little impact in the first-half as well. He was struggling to get into the game.
“I can’t believe he’s still out there actually. He can’t sprint to his maximum capacity.”
Newcastle injury crisis: Anthony Gordon the latest worry
It just never seems to end for Newcastle right now.
Game after game, there appears to be a new name to add to the list.
Missing Gordon would be a huge blow. While Newcastle would be expected to beat Luton on Saturday, their away form has been pretty bleak all season (only one Premier League win on the road thus far), so its by no means a forgone conclusion.
Not having one of Howe’s key players will not make that task any easier.
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