Eddie Howe is hoping that Newcastle United can rely on Anthony Gordon between now and the end of the season.
The 24-year-old has not had much of an impact in recent weeks. First he was suspended, then he was injured. Now Anthony Gordon’s main issue is the form of Harvey Barnes, with the 27-year-old making the left wing position his own.
Gordon has not started for Newcastle United since the FA Cup defeat to Brighton in March.
It has been a frustrating period for the winger, while Eddie Howe said after beating Ipswich that Gordon was not 100% fit.
Eddie Howe shares Anthony Gordon injury update
But now the England international has got another week of training under his belt, and the Newcastle United manager has provided a positive update on Gordon ahead of facing Brighton.
During his pre-match press conference, Howe was asked about Gordon’s fitness.
“I don’t think it’s too bad,” he said.
“That was last week. He’s had a full week of training this week. He’s looked better physically.
“The main thing for him is, if he’s 100% fit, to focus on his performance and make sure he is at the levels he has been at for the majority of the season. He’s a massive player for us and we’re going to need him.”
Whether Gordon will start for Newcastle against Brighton
While Howe insists that Gordon has looked better in training this week, it would still be a major surprise to see him return to the starting XI.
Gordon is one of Newcastle’s best players, but it would be unfair to drop Barnes or Jacob Murphy.
Both wide players have been doing exceptionally well, and Howe should continue to reward them for their strong performances.
That is especially true for Barnes, who has spent a lot of his Newcastle United career acting as understudy to Gordon. This has been his chance to shine, and he has seized it with both hands.
| Anthony Gordon | 38 appearances | 9 goals | 7 assists |
| Jacob Murphy | 37 appearances | 9 goals | 13 assists |
| Harvey Barnes | 36 appearances | 9 goals | 5 assists |
For Newcastle United’s three wingers, the race is on to hit double figures. They have all chipped in with goals and assists this season, and all three of them are one goal away from their 10th strike of the season.
Hopefully one of them hits that milestone on Sunday, as Newcastle aim to take another step towards Champions League qualification with a positive result against Brighton.
Gordon will hope he is the one who delivers, as he aims to prove his manager right.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
