Anthony Gordon to be axed by Newcastle, Eddie Howe has no choice after confirmed news
Anthony Gordon is back in contention for Newcastle ahead of their Champions League clash against Marseille in midweek.
Anthony Gordon has endured a stop-start campaign so far due to injury issues and a lack of form when he has been fit.
The Newcastle winger has failed to score or assist in nine domestic league and cup appearances so far, but has been impressive in the Champions League with four strikes in as many games.
He was forced off at half-time in the Magpies’ 3-1 defeat to West Ham on 2 November, then Gordon seriously struggled to impress against Athletic Bilbao three days later as he was forced off just before the interval with a hip problem.
Eddie Howe has been unable to select him since then, but now has him back available, and must make a tough call as Newcastle face Marseille on Tuesday (25 November).
Gordon must start on the bench vs Marseille amid Harvey Barnes’ strong form
Howe has revealed ahead of the Marseille clash that Gordon has travelled to France with his teammates and will be in the matchday squad for Tuesday.
His return serves as a major boost to their chances of a fourth successive Champions League win, but Howe must resist the temptation to chuck him in from the off due to his impressive record in the competition so far this season.
The England winger has barely been missed by the Magpies during his recovery, with Harvey Barnes stepping up to become their talisman from the left-wing in his absence.
Barnes notched an assist against Bilbao to help Newcastle to a 2-0 victory, while he then opened the scoring against Brentford on 9 November and was the best player on the pitch against Man City on Saturday (22 November).
The 27-year-old scored twice to win the game 2-1 for his side at St James’ Park and is currently in some of the best form he has shown since joining the club from Leicester in 2023.
Howe heaped praise on Barnes following that game, as he said: “Two great goals for Harvey…he is always a player that gets chances, and that is the great thing about him. When you put him on the team sheet, you know there is going to be some moments.
“His first goal was an outstanding finish and that was probably the hardest of the ones he had today, found the corner with his right foot. The second one is about being in the right place at the right time. Two massive goals for us and hopefully that can lift us in the Premier League.”
The Newcastle boss clearly knows what Barnes can bring to the team, and even though he may want to put Gordon back into the starting eleven now that he is fully fit again, he must avoid that temptation and continue to give the 27-year-old a chance.
Barnes now set to stay at Newcastle after previous exit links
It hasn’t all been plain sailing for Barnes on Tyneside since his move from the Foxes, but he has taken his chance in recent weeks and should be a mainstay in the team all season from now on.
Football Insider revealed at the end of last season that Barnes could be interested in leaving Newcastle in search of more regular first-team football, with the club unlikely to block a move away.
Newcastle were planning to accept offers for Barnes as a result of his lack of impact on the starting XI, but he has clearly turned that notion on its head so far this term.
As a result, well-connected former scout Mick Brown has told Football Insider that Barnes’ importance to Newcastle means he will not leave the club anytime soon, and he could well prove his importance once more in midweek as they seek a huge win at the Stade Velodrome.