Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has provided updates on the conditions of Anthony Gordon and William Osula following the Champions League win over Club Athletic.
Though it was far from a thrilling display, Newcastle United did get back to winning ways with a 2-0 win over Athletic Club at St. James’ Park on Wednesday night.
Eddie Howe’s side have climbed to sixth in the Champions League table as a result and are looking good to advance to the knockout stages at the halfway point of the league phase.
Dan Burn hit back at his critics this week with a sensational header to open the scoring, while Joelinton nodded in a goal of his own just after the break.
The game wasn’t without its casualties, though, with Newcastle suffering two injury blows on Wednesday.
William Osula had to be withdrawn from the bench after feeling discomfort in his ankle before kick-off.
Anthony Gordon was then taken off before the break as he continues to struggle with his hip.
Howe has now given the latest on how the duo are faring.
Anthony Gordon lies on his back in pain.
Photo by Ed Sykes/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
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Anthony Gordon, Dan Burn and William Osula injury latest
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Howe admitted he has not yet spoken with Gordon but that the injury appears to be the hip problem that has been troubling him.
“No, I’ve not spoken to him, and I haven’t really had a full rundown from the medical team,” the manager said.
“But it seems like a recurrence of his hip injury that has been plaguing him in recent weeks, so we’ll assess that and see what damage is done.”
Howe also explained the thinking behind Osula’s removal from the match-day squad.
He added: “We’ve just been in discussions with him at length about his ankle in the last few days, as to whether he’s fit enough to actually perform to the level that we need and that he’s comfortable with.
“After a discussion, we felt it was best to withdraw him and try to get his ankle 100% right.”
Goalscorer Burn was also taken off after receiving treatment on the pitch, but he didn’t look in discomfort as he bowed out and Howe didn’t mention him when discussing the injured pair during his press conference.
Eddie Howe could be forced into changes against Brentford
Though winning three Champions League games in a row is massive, it does feel like Sunday’s Premier League clash with Brentford is the more important game this week.
Newcastle’s league form has been uneven at best and they have now gone eight games without victory on the road ahead of another trip to London.
The 3-1 defeat to West Ham was a hammer blow and a big result against the Bees is needed ahead of the international break.
Despite the victory, Newcastle were very sloppy against Athletic and a better side could have fought back. It’s clear the team needs freshening up at the weekend.
Lewis Hall’s return to action was a sight for sore eyes, but Jacob Ramsey will also be pushing for a start. Howe isn’t one to make a lot of changes in the league, but Gordon’s injury might force at least one.