Newcastle United make ‘slightly more serious’ Anthony Gordon injury admission

Newcastle United are treading carefully over Anthony Gordon’s ankle injury after Eddie Howe admitted the forward’s scan results weren’t “plain sailing”.

The £45million January signing from Everton picked up the problem on his first start for the Magpies at Manchester City just under a fortnight ago.

After an encouraging 60-minute display at the Etihad, Gordon would have likely started Sunday’s 2-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers but his issue became worse during the week.

United head coach Eddie Howe hopes to have Gordon back for the visit of Manchester United after the international break (Sunday, April 2), but admits there is work to do in order for that to happen.

“That’s the plan, we’re trying,” said Howe. “As I said, the scan wasn’t plain sailing, it wasn’t a shoe-in. It wasn’t a week or two injury, it’s slightly more serious than that so we’re doing everything we can to get him back as quickly as possible.

“At the moment, he’s in a period where he’s staying off the grass, staying off his feet and the injury is healing. He feels good, but he’s got work to do to get back for that game [Manchester United].”

Howe admits the injury comes at a frustrating time for the 22-year-old, who is just four appearances deep into his Newcastle career.

“He’s disappointed,” Howe revealed. “Very frustrated. I don’t think he’s had many injuries before in his career so he’s got a determination to be back on the pitch straight away, but I think there is also an understanding that when you get an injury, and especially, when it’s not a small knock.

“You have to be careful because these smaller problems can become bigger problems if you don’t look after yourself. He’s desperate to get back on the grass and contribute but there will be a time where it is not safe for him to do so.”