Anthony Gordon is ready to make a statement for Newcastle United against Barcelona.
The 24-year-old has had to watch Newcastle United from the sidelines in recent weeks, as he serves a suspension following his red card against Liverpool.
While that suspension is still ongoing, Anthony Gordon is available to feature in the Champions League. The ban does not extend to UEFA competitions, with the England international poised to return for Eddie Howe.
Gordon features in Geordie Boot Boys’predicted Newcastle XI to face Barcelona on Thursday night, and the winger is set to be sporting a new look at St James’ Park.
Anthony Gordon trains with Newcastle United ahead of the Champions League game against Barcelona.
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Anthony Gordon changes his hair for Champions League opener
The Newcastle United number 10 has changed his image in recent months. He has grown his hair out long and donned a headband while playing, often looking like he has just played five sets at Wimbledon in the 1990s.
However, Gordon has freshened up his look ahead of Newcastle United vs Barcelona.
North East barber Cal MacBlain has shared a TikTok after cutting Gordon’s hair ahead of the big game.
Alongside the video, he wrote: “Champions League ready. Pleasure to have NUFC Anthony Gordon in the chair for the first time.”
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Hopefully the change of hair inspires a strong performance from Gordon, as he prepares to take on a Barcelona side that will be without the injured Lamine Yamal.
Anthony Gordon’s record against Barcelona
Newcastle United’s record against Barcelona is not great. The two sides have met four times, with Barcelona winning three of them.
The Magpies did beat Barca in 1997, with Tino Asprilla famously scoring a hat-trick. The Toon Army would love another moment like that on Thursday night, and it would be great if Gordon could provide it.
This will actually be the first time in his career that Gordon has played against Barcelona. His only European experience has been with Newcastle United, featuring in all six Champions League games in the 2023/24 season.
Newcastle and Barcelona did not meet that year, meaning this is the first time that Gordon and a lot of his teammates are facing the La Liga giants.