Anthony Gordon injury update as Newcastle United players spotted arriving at St James' Park ahead of Man Utd clash

Anthony Gordon is back available for Newcastle United’s Premier League clash against Manchester United this afternoon (kick-off 4:30pm).

Gordon hasn’t featured for the Magpies since receiving a straight red card in the FA Cup fifth round defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion on March 2. The 24-year-old served a three-match ban against West Ham United, Liverpool and Brentford before missing the 3-0 win at Leicester City on Monday night through injury.

The winger took a heavy blow to his thigh whilst on international duty with England, causing bruising that Eddie Howe described as “really, really bad”. When the Newcastle boss provided an update on Gordon after Leicester, it was unclear when he would return.

“Anthony wasn’t close (to being available to face Leicester),” said Howe. “He hasn’t been able to train with us yet. He’s still feeling the effects of that tackle with England. We hope that we may see him soon, but I’ve got no certainty on that.”

Jason Tindall took on the media duties on Friday in Eddie Howe’s absence ahead of the Man United clash and delivered a fresh update on Gordon, which raised hopes of him being available.

Tindall said: “He's had a decent week with the physios. He was back out on grass for a pitch session yesterday so we'll assess him again today to see how he's responded to that session. And then we'll have to make a late call on whether he's available for the bench on Sunday.”

And Gordon is set to be in the matchday squad after being pictured arriving at St James’ Park.

How Newcastle United are expected to line-up

Newcastle United are expected to be unchanged from the win at Leicester on Monday as they eye a fifth consecutive Premier League victory. Wins for Manchester City and Aston Villa on Saturday saw the Magpies drop from fifth to seventh but a win today will see them jump back into the Champions League qualification places ahead of playing their game in-hand against Crystal Palace on Wednesday.

United will be without head coach Eddie Howe after he was admitted to hospital on Friday having felt unwell for a number of days. Assistant coaches Jason Tindall and Graeme Jones will lead the team from the touchline.

A club statement read: “Eddie Howe will miss Newcastle United's Premier League game against Manchester United on Sunday due to illness. The Magpies' head coach was admitted to hospital late on Friday evening having felt unwell for a number of days.

“Medical staff kept Eddie in hospital overnight for further tests, which are ongoing. He is conscious and talking with his family, and is continuing to receive expert medical care.

“Everyone at Newcastle United extends their best wishes to Eddie for a speedy recovery, and further updates will follow in due course. Jason Tindall and Graeme Jones will lead the team at St. James' Park on Sunday, supported by the club's first team staff.”