Eddie Howe simply has to pick 26-year-old Newcastle player to start and replace Anthony Gordon

Add as preferred source on Google

Newcastle United look set to be sweating on the fitness of Anthony Gordon this weekend.

The 22-year-old suffered an ankle injury against Luton Town on Saturday, and that could force him to miss our next game – a trip to the City Ground to face Nottingham Forest.

While the ankle injury is seemingly not serious, it feels like there is a very good chance that it could rule him out of Saturday night’s game.

That means Eddie Howe will be forced into a change, which will likely result in Callum Wilson coming into the side. Gordon played as a striker against Luton, so drafting in the number nine would be a like for like change.

But while Wilson should start up front if Gordon is unavailable, the Scouser’s potential absence should also lead to a start for one of our summer signings.

Harvey Barnes should start for Newcastle against Nottingham Forest

Harvey Barnes returned from injury on Saturday, and marked his comeback with a goal. It was an important one too, as the 26-year-old netted Newcastle’s equaliser.

It was a quick reminder of his ability in front of goal, and it is the reason why he should be drafted into the starting XI if Gordon is unavailable.

Jacob Murphy and Miguel Almiron started against Luton Town, and they proved more than ever how inconsistent they are. They blow hot and cold, with Murphy’s performance particularly disappointing after excellent displays in the two previous fixtures.

If Gordon is out, Newcastle will need to replace a lot of goal contributions. The 22-year-old already has seven goals and eight assists to his name this season.

And while Wilson can provide goals, he will benefit from the additional firepower that Harvey Barnes provides. The former Leicester City man will make Newcastle’s front three much more dangerous, and that is vital ahead of a fixture that Eddie Howe really needs to win after Saturday’s draw.

Barnes is yet to properly get going in black and white, but that could be about to change. He may suddenly be the forward we rely on, especially if Gordon is absent from our left flank.