Anthony Gordon must replace Harvey Barnes in the starting lineup when Newcastle United host Barcelona in the Champions League on Thursday.
Gordon was sent off for Newcastle United against Liverpool and has missed their draw with Leeds and their victory over Wolves.
The England international will also be ruled out of Sunday’s Premier League trip to Bournemouth, though he is available for Champions League competition, which begins with Thursday’s visit of Barcelona.
It’s been a difficult start for Gordon. Thrust into the central striking position for the opening few games, the 24-year-old hasn’t really clicked thus far.
That is perhaps understandable. He’s been playing out of his best position during a period in which so much talk at Newcastle was devoted to matters off the field.
Still, Eddie Howe needs to recall him for the Barcelona game, with Barnes continuing to struggle.
Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes, Matt Targett and Lewis Miley celebrate Newcastle United's goal against Tottenham in a pre-season friendly in Seoul, South Korea.
Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images
Newcastle United must drop Harvey Barnes for Anthony Gordon
Barnes was brilliant in the Carabao Cup final and largely kept Gordon out of the team for the rest of the 2024/25 campaign.
The former Leicester star scored nine Premier League goals and proved to be one of Newcastle’s better players during a rocky start to last season too.
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However, this season has started in difficult fashion for him. While the same mitigating circumstances applied to Gordon must be given to Barnes too, he did have a striker to play off on Saturday in the form of Nick Woltemade.
Newcastle United vs Wolves statistics Harvey Barnes
Minutes played 80
Touches 42
Shots 3
Shots on target 0
Chances created 0
Harvey Barnes stats for Newcastle United vs Wolves, data via FotMob
Again, it cannot have been easy for Barnes considering a lack of training time with his new teammate.
However, as per FotMob data, Barnes amassed only 42 touches in his 80 minutes on the pitch. He also failed to find the mark with all three of his shots and did not create a single chance.
That’s not to say Gordon is perfect but he did play well for England against Serbia over the international break. His energy will be needed against Barcelona and the fact he can play in his favoured left-wing role is a major boost.
Anthony Gordon gives Eddie Howe a boost away from Newcastle United
Gordon impressed for England against Serbia during the international break, giving him some much-needed game time amid his suspension from club football.
It’s been a while since the former Everton star stepped up to the plate on a consistent basis, following an admittedly difficult summer last time out.
Still, he did impress in some of the big games last season. Excellent against Arsenal in both legs of the Carabao Cup semi-final, the Barcelona game could be the perfect stage for Gordon to click back into form.
Barnes may come again but, right now, Gordon looks the better option.