Newcastle sweat over anthony gordon fitness with emergency option considered

THE MAGPIES HAVE INJURIES CUTTING INTO THEIR SQUAD WITH EDDIE HOWE PREPARED TO BE CREATIVE WITH HIS STARS 16:00, 11 Feb 2025 Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has talked up the prospect of

Joe Willock stepping in as an emergency left winger this weekend at Manchester City - if Anthony Gordon is not passed fit. Gordon missed the 3-2 victory over Birmingham City in the FA Cup

due to a quad muscle injury and it remains to be seen whether he is fit for the clash at the Etihad Stadium. The Magpies currently have Harvey Barnes on the injury list while Miguel Almiron

has moved on to Atlanta United, reducing United's wing options. But Willock, who netted twice against the Blues, was a more than able deputy to Gordon. It was a performance that left

Howe absolutely delighted with the ex-Arsenal man. Howe told Chronicle Live: "It was interesting to see him there. With Anthony’s injury, we played Joe in his position as a wide-left

player. I thought he did really well. I think he’s got the running capacity to play in that position. It’s different to playing infield, but he’s got the pace to take players on and engage

in those one-on-one actions." Willock's season has been a stop-start affair with muscle injuries interrupting his chances of regular starts. After shaking off last season's

hamstring and achilles problems, he has made just six Premier League starts this term. And while it is a tough gig to get into Newcastle's midfield, given the form of Joelinton, Bruno

Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali recently, he may have to look further up the pitch. Article continues below Newcastle chief Howe said: "He’s also then got the technique to come into

pockets, and come inside and shoot on his right foot. I thought he looked a threat throughout the game. The beauty of Joe when he does play inside, as a midfielder, is that he drifts wide a

lot anyway. So I think he’s really comfortable in those wide areas." ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE CARABAO CUP FINAL 2025 Newcastle United are in the Carabao Cup Final - and you can get your

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