Newcastle United issue concerning Anthony Gordon injury update ahead of Nottingham Forest game

Eddie Howe has provided an update on Anthony Gordon after the Newcastle United forward missed the 2-1 win over Wolves with an ankle injury.

The £45million January signing from Everton made his first Magpies start during last weekend’s 2-0 defeat at Manchester City.

After an encouraging 60-minute display at the Etihad , the 22-year-old would have likely started against Julen Lopetegui’s side this afternoon.

Howe has revealed the extent of Gordon’s injury. He’ll miss Friday’s trip to Nottingham Forest, and might not return after the two-week international break.

“It was a strange one because after the game [versus Man City] there was no sign of an injury but I think it was one of those that got worse,” Howe said.

“It was from a tackle. It [his ankle] swelled up and we got it scanned. We were hoping we could get away with it and he’d be alright but unfortunately not.

“He’ll miss probably the next two games. I’m not sure if he’ll be back after the international break. We hope so, but that’s not 100 per-cent certain.”

In Gordon’s absence, Allan Saint-Maximin was recalled to the starting XI, and helped a completely changed attack alongside Alexander Isak and Jacob Murphy.

It was Isak who opened the scoring for United with a header from Kieran Trippier’s free-kick delivery on 26 minutes.

Wolves equalised through Hwang Hee-chan midway through the second-half but Howe’s side found a winner through substitute Miguel Almiron.

“The first half performance in general was very good,” said Howe. “Alexander Isak scored a massive goal for us. When it’s a one-goal lead it’s very delicate. It should have been more at half time.

“Wolves came back into the game, but the character shown by the group to go again and get the winning goal is a great feeling for us.”