Newcastle United shock injury boost explained after worrying photo & 'slightly unclear' claim

Eddie Howe has explained how Anthony Gordon was able to start Newcastle United's 3-2 win at Nottingham Forest on Saturday night.

The former Everton winger was a major doubt heading into the game after leaving last weekend's 4-4 draw against Luton Town at St James' Park on crutches and wearing a protective boot.

Speaking to the media on Friday morning, Howe said Gordon hadn't yet trained and it was "slightly unclear" when he would.

Howe's ambiguous response led some believe the 22-year-old was ruled out of the trip to the City Ground. However, Gordon trained with his teammates on Friday and retained his place in the starting XI.

Asked about Gordon's surprisingly quick recovery, Howe said: “I think my words were he hadn’t trained to that point. He trained yesterday[Friday] and trained well. But he did well to come through the game considering he left last week in a protective boot."

Gordon played 90 minutes before being replaced by Emil Krafth in stoppage time as the Magpies claimed a 3-2 victory to move up to seventh in the Premier League table.

When asked by NewcastleWorld how much credit Gordon deserve for making himself available, Howe replied: "He's done that several times this season when his preparation may not have been what he wanted but he's always said 'Yes, I want to play' and he's always delivered.

"I thought he delivered again today. Very, very pleased with his maturity and how he's attacked the season."

Bruno Guimaraes' brace and a goal by Fabian Schar cancelled out strikes from Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi to record a fourth straight away win in all competitions.

Next up for Howe's men is AFC Bournemouth at St James' Park on Saturday (kick-off 3pm), where they will look to end a run of three home matches without a victory.