Newcastle United issue official Anthony Gordon injury update ahead of Manchester United clash

Newcastle United could have Anthony Gordon available for the Premier League clash against Manchester United on Sunday.

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.”

Anthony Gordon injury update ahead of Manchester United clash

However, according to Mail Online, Gordon has made good progress and “has a chance” of being involved against Man United, allaying fears of a long-term injury. That was later confirmed by Newcastle assistant coach Jason Tindall, who took on the pre-match press conference duties in Eddie Howe’s absence.

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.”

Harvey Barnes set to start for Newcastle United regardlesss

If available then Gordon will likely have to settle for a place on the bench. Harvey Barnes has started every game in Gordon’s absence and performed well.

“Yeah, he's done really well Harvey,” Howe said after Barnes scored against former club Leicester. “I think he's got better with games naturally, I think like every player does.

“He's looked confident and it's important he scored tonight because he's a goal scorer and he needs to contribute in that way, being such an attacking player that he is. But also he played his part in the first goal which I loved.

“It was a really good decision. He's built a good relationship up with Tino [Livramento] alongside him so I'm really pleased with that side of the pitch. I thought he's defended well as well. That can never be underestimated. Wide players have a big responsibility to the defensive ability of the team and I think he can be really pleased.”

Without Gordon, Newcastle are light on attacking options with Joe Willock ruled out due to concussion protocols after he took a bang to the head against Brentford last Wednesday.

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