‘Difficult’ - Harvey Barnes brutally honest as Newcastle United fitness update given

In truth, the winger’s career on Tyneside has been frustrating due to several injury problems. Barnes picked up a foot problem on his first start for the club in September 2023 which ruled him out for four months.

Anthony Gordon was able to cement his place on the left flank for club and country during that time. When he returned to full throttle this season, Barnes looked promising - scoring three goals from the opening five Premier League games.

However, a lack of form found him in and out of the team until a hamstring problem against Bromley caused another spell on the sidelines. Still working his way back to full fitness, a moment of madness from Gordon - sent off for a petulant push against Brighton 10 days ago - has given Barnes a golden opportunity.

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He can undo the previous 18 months by becoming a hero at Wembley this weekend. Newcastle face Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final aiming to end a 70-year drought without domestic silverware.

Eddie Howe showed faith in Barnes on Monday night, naming him on the left flank when others were calling for Joelinton or Joe Willock. The 27-year-old repaid that trust with an assist for Bruno Guimaraes’ winner - and he opened up about his struggles after the game.

“Yeah, it’s obviously been a difficult season,” Barnes told The Chronicle. “So it was just nice to be back out there. I enjoyed being out there from the beginning in the Premier League against West Ham. It’s been a while.

“And then, probably personally, I think it’s a nice confidence boost going into the weekend to get a good amount of minutes and be involved in the goal and have a few nice moments. So, no, it was a good day.

“I have come back from injury well. It’s obviously tough when you haven’t been playing week on week. So fitness-wise, you’re building that up every game. But I felt good out there today. I felt nice and fit and strong.”

Eddie Howe on ‘massive’ Harvey Barnes return for Newcastle United

Howe backed Barnes to “make a difference” for the Magpies ahead of last week’s win over West Ham. He told reporters at his pre-match press conference: “He’s another player that has just returned from injury. Great to see him back, because we’ve really suffered with a lack of options in the wide areas.

“I think Harvey’s return has been a massive lift for everybody. You could see on Sunday he is still working his way back to his very best sharpness levels. He’s very fit, but it’s just that lack of game time that showed against his best performances this season.

“But he’s a huge player. He’s a player that’s always got goals. Very creative. We really like Harvey. He’s been unfortunate that Anthony’s been in such great form. But we certainly back him and I know he can make the difference.”

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