Newcastle United has been dealt a significant setback with the news of a double injury blow amounting to £83 million, impacting their upcoming clash against Manchester City. Harvey Barnes, a pivotal figure, will be sidelined for the FA Cup quarter-final encounter, while Anthony Gordon’s participation remains uncertain.
Barnes, absent from the recent 3-2 loss to Chelsea due to a hamstring issue sustained in the previous game against Wolverhampton Wanderers, faces a minimum two-week absence following scans revealing the extent of his injury. Manager Eddie Howe elaborated on Barnes’ situation, stating that although the injury doesn’t seem severe, it will likely keep him out of the Manchester City fixture.
In parallel, Gordon’s availability for the weekend fixture is in doubt after he exited the Chelsea match in the first half due to a knee problem. Howe expressed concern over the nature of Gordon’s injury, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the diagnosis and the player’s discomfort. Losing Gordon mid-game was a significant setback, given his consistent performances throughout the season, adding to the psychological blow for the team.
The potential absence of Gordon not only poses challenges for Newcastle’s lineup but also disappoints the player himself, who was on the verge of earning his maiden call-up to the England squad for friendlies against Brazil and Belgium earlier this month, with national team manager Gareth Southgate observing the match at Stamford Bridge.
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