Anthony Gordon update as Newcastle United boosted by FA rules vs Crystal Palace

Newcastle United’s squad is set to bolstered for the Premier League clash against Crystal Palace on Wednesday night.

The Magpies beat Manchester United 4-1 at St James’ Park on Sunday to move up to fourth in the Premier League table. Anthony Gordon made his return as a second-half substitute following four matches out through suspension and injury.

“Everybody's come away from the [Manchester United] game fine,” Newcastle assistant coach Jason Tindall confirmed. “It was good to get Anthony Gordon some minutes on the pitch, great to have him back with the qualities that he's got.”

Newcastle United injury boost

Newcastle will welcome another attacking player back in Joe Willock. The 25-year-old has missed the last two games after sustaining a concussion in the closing stages of the 2-1 victory over Brentford on April 2.

FA rules state that the earliest return-to-play date for a player must occur 12 days after the initial head injury or seven days if exceptional criteria are met. Now that 12-day period has passed, Willock is available and likely to be on the bench versus Palace.

“Joe Willock's now back from the concussion protocols so the squad's in good shape as always thankfully,” Tindall continued. “We didn't pick up any injuries from the weekend so we go into the Crystal Palace game full of health up to this moment obviously.”

Newcastle United remain without head coach Eddie Howe

Newcastle remain without their Eddie Howe after their head coach was diagnosed with pneumonia. Howe was admitted to hospital on Friday and missed the win over Man United.

A club statement on Monday confirmed the 47-year-old is recovering but won’t be present against Palace and Aston Villa on Saturday.

“We had almost minimal contact in terms of preparations but we know the expectations and demands that we put on each other and ourselves each and every day and it's going to have to remain that way until the manager is back,” Tindall said. “But we know what we need to do, we know how we prepare and we need to prepare right to make sure that we can go and deliver performances, as I said, the weekend that the manager would be proud of.

“Obviously it's part of my job and I'll do the best I possibly can in his absence. We've worked together for 17 years now so we know what is expected of each other and hopefully I can deliver the same messages as what he would want and hopefully he'll be back as soon as possible.

“I think when health is involved the most important thing is that comes first and foremost above everything else and I'm sure when Eddie does return he will probably ease himself in to the role but it's important that when he does come back he's able to lead the team like he always does and hopefully that soon.

“It's a day by day thing, but he's in the best possible hands right now and as I say hopefully we can have him here as our leader as soon as possible but only when he's 100% right to do so.”

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