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Newcastle United double injury blow confirmed as starting XI confirmed to face Chelsea at St James’ Park.
Newcastle and Chelsea sit fourth and fifth in the Premier League table, respectively, with only goals scored separating the two teams. The winner at St James’ Park will take a massive step towards qualifying for next season’s Champions League.
Howe revealed at his pre-match press conference on Friday that there were “a couple of players” being assessed having picked up injuries in Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Brighton & Hove Albion. When pressed on who those players, the Newcastle boss replied “let’s keep that under wraps”.
Newcastle United new double injury blow
It is Botman’s first start since February after three months out with a knee issue, while Gordon starts for the first time since March 5 when he was shown a red card in the FA Cup defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion.
Anthony Gordon and Sven Botman make first starts for a while
Speaking about Gordon in the build-up to the game. Howe said: “He's pushing. Just in terms of his general training performance, I think this is his best week physically. He had an issue, obviously, that he picked up with England and it's taken him a while to get back to full fitness because it was a nasty injury. But he's looked good.
“I thought he did well when he came on against Brighton. He adds a different dimension to our game. Directness in running. Very front-footed player. So let's wait and see.
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“There’s an understanding from Anthony that he hasn’t been fully fit. We have had discussions and communications, which I try to do with all the players. But naturally, I know now, he feels good within his body and feels ready to start. That is the decision I have to make.
“I get the point about the team almost picking itself (in recent weeks), but it never felt that way, even though we were picking the same team for a run of games, there are always decisions to make, especially with the quality of the squad that we have.
“But ultimately you have to try and pick on what you see and the relationships in the team have been good, so you’ve got to be careful not to change something that doesn’t need changing.”
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