Newcastle United issue official Anthony Gordon training ground update
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has provided an update on Anthony Gordon’s fitness.
Anthony Gordon is set to remain on the bench for Newcastle United’s visit to Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday, despite his knee injury improving this week.
The last time Gordon started a game was actually against Brighton on March 3 when he was sent off following an altercation with Jan Paul van Hecke. He served a three-match suspension but missed an additional game after he sustained an injury on international duty with England.
The excellent form of Harvey Barnes has limited Gordon to four substitute appearances since he returned, however his ability to try and stake a claim for a starting XI recall has been somewhat restricted due to a knee issue.
Barnes, who has scored four goals and registered four assists in his previous eight Premier League matches, will retain his place on the South Coast, though it is hoped Gordon will be stronger position to impact the game, should they need him.
Eddie Howe provides Anthony Gordon fitness update
Asked for an update on Gordon, Howe said: “I don't think it's too bad. Of course, that was last week. He's had a full week's training this week and he's looked better physically, I'd say.
“The main thing for him is to try and now, if he's 100% fit, focus on his performance and make sure he's at the levels that he has been for the majority of the season. He's a massive player for us and we're going to need him.”
In the 24-year-old’s absence, Newcastle have won eight of their previous nine matches. The starting line-up had been unchanged too until Joe Willock came in for the injured Joelinton for last Saturday’s 3-0 win over Ipswich Town.
Howe admits it has been a difficult period for Gordon but he has challenged the winger to be ready to make a difference when called upon. Newcastle have four games left to play this campaign and know their Champions League qualification fate is in their own hands.
“Anthony's a very, very strong character and very independent player,” Howe said. “Yes, every player needs support, needs a good environment to work in and needs to feel confident in that environment. I'd say maybe some players need more communication and direct dialogue more than others. Anthony's one that, maybe because of his strength of character and his strong belief in himself, maybe needs slightly less but I'm sure this has been a difficult period for him.
“Anytime you're out and you're missing games, especially when you're fit and available to play like he was initially, is a huge frustration. It's bittersweet because you're seeing the team do well without you, which is great, but of course you want to be there yourself contributing and that's a difficult emotion to deal with.
“All he can do is focus on himself and his game and make sure he's at the very, very best physical levels and technical and tactical levels. Then with his ability and quality, he can make a difference for us.”