Credit: Imago

Jack Dawson

Fri 13 March 2026 16:15, UK

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Eddie Howe must resist the urge to start Anthony Gordon in Newcastle United’s upcoming match against Chelsea.

The winger has been a controversial figure at St James’ Park this season, with performances being inconsistent.

On Tuesday, the attacker was left out of the lineup against Barcelona due to illness, only coming on late in the game.

Now, after Howe confirmed that Gordon feels better ahead of the Chelsea match, the manager has to look to rest him for their mouthwatering Barcelona showdown next week.

Eddie Howe must rest Anthony Gordon ready for Barcelona vs Newcastle

Despite Lamine Yamal’s late equaliser, Newcastle are still well in their Champions League round of 16 tie.

While it will no doubt be a tricky test at the Camp Nou to get a victory, it is doable.

If this is to be achieved, Gordon will be crucial, with the winger picking up 12 goal contributions in the tournament to date, with only Kylian Mbappe having more.

As a result, Howe must opt to rest multiple players, including Gordon, against Chelsea.

The away tie to the Blues has little standing to the Magpies’ season, with European qualification through the league looking increasingly unlikely.

TEN goals for Anthony Gordon in the Champions League 😤#UCL pic.twitter.com/sqHMreIsxZ

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 20, 2026

Whereas the tie against Barcelona is highly winnable, especially with the club having a crucial game against Sevilla on Sunday.

As a result, Howe has to make the simple decision to rest Gordon to help keep Newcastle’s season alive, and potentially save it with Champions League progression.

What has Howe said about Gordon?

Ex-Everton, Aston Villa, and Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness recently revealed to Football Insider that Liverpool were leading the race for Gordon.

The attacker’s form has attracted plenty of interest from multiple sides in the Premier League, especially given the growing possibility that the club won’t be in Europe next season.

The England international has also begun to hit form in the Premier League recently, and he netted during the 2-1 win over Manchester United earlier this month.

As a result, it was no surprise that Gordon was a major talking point going into the game against Chelsea on Saturday.

Eddie Howe on Anthony Gordon:

“He trained yesterday; he is fine. He was willing to play in the game; it was my decision not to start him as he had been ill that morning.” pic.twitter.com/2yYsYHxKPB

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) March 13, 2026

Speaking about the winger to BBC Sport on 13 March, Howe was quick to praise his personality as he claimed that he is now hit his best run of form this season.

He said: “He wants to win everything, he’s a real competitor. He’s got that streak to him that I think all top players need where he’s very single-minded, very focused on his development and his game.

“I can only speak really glowingly of him this year. It hasn’t been a straightforward season for him. He’s had a lot of challenges, as every player does.

“But I think he’s probably in the best moment that he’s been this season currently. He’s playing really well.”