Newcastle United return to action on Saturday when they travel to take on Premier League champions Manchester City. Both teams are challenging for a top four spot and it has all the makings of a significant match.
The Magpies go into the game on the back of a bruising FA Cup clash with Birmingham City on Saturday night. United came through a real battle to win 3-2 and progress to the fifth round of the FA Cup.
It was a game that saw tackles flying in, players crashing into advertising hoardings and no shortage of yellow cards. It left Newcastle manager Eddie Howe hoping that his battered squad didn’t pick up more injuries.
As it was, Dan Burn limped off in the second half with a groin issue. With Sven Botman already missing through a knee problem, and Lloyd Kelly having departed for Juventus, it leaves Newcastle’s defensive resources looking a bit light. That wasn’t the only blow at the weekend, however, as Howe revealed that Anthony Gordon had missed the game due to an injury he picked up in the Carabao Cup win over Arsenal the previous midweek.
Howe said: “We hope Anthony will be back in contention next weekend. We treat the cups the same (as the Premier League), everyone who is fit we will take. Anthony was not fit today so he was not here today because he had a problem.”
Howe’s side at least have had no midweek game and can try and recuperate from the fatigue that has set in. They have been back on the training ground ahead of the trip to the Etihad this weekend.
And in training pictures released on social media by the club this afternoon, one of the pictures was of Gordon full of smiles. There was also a smiling face emoji.
Having the attacker back fit for the game would be a huge boost for Howe and the United squad. The Newcastle winger has been in outstanding form over the last few months, with his goal threat, assists and general intensity.
City’s defence has been anything but secure in recent months and they shipped another three goals in midweek, albeit against Champions League holders Real Madrid and their scintillating array of attacking talent. Gordon and Alexander Isak will be hoping for similar at the weekend.
Newcastle also have doubts over Burn and Botman after their injuries. Neither player featured among the training pictures released by Newcastle.
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