Newcastle United winger Harvey Barnes now has a chance to shine after Anthony Gordon’s injury setback.
Newcastle United beat Athletic Club 2-0 on Wednesday night to pick up yet another Champions League win.
Dan Burn and Joelinton were on the scoresheet, but Eddie Howe was dealt a new injury blow.
Anthony Gordon’s hip problem has reared its ugly head once again, meaning the winger faces a spell on the sidelines.
Gordon looks unlikely to feature against Brentford this weekend, opening up a chance for Harvey Barnes.
Harvey Barnes at St. James' Park.
Photo by Lee Parker – CameraSport via Getty Images
Harvey Barnes must seize his golden Newcastle United chance
Barnes came on for Gordon against Athletic and set up Joelinton’s goal with a cross into the box.
The 27-year-old has only started six games in all competitions this season, but he has managed three goals and one assist in four Champions League appearances.
Barnes has flashed moments of quality this season, even when deployed on the right flank in Europe.
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Now, with Gordon potentially out of action in Barnes’ preferred left-wing position, this is a golden opportunity.
Barnes joined Newcastle from Leicester City in 2023, having previously excelled for the Foxes.
Injuries hampered Barnes early in his Newcastle career, and he has never quite been able to show his best form for the Magpies.
Gordon has been in poor form of late, but he has remained Newcastle’s first-choice left-winger ahead of Barnes.
With his 28th birthday approaching and just over two years left on his contract, this upcoming period may be a case of now or never for Barnes and his chances of becoming a key player.
Harvey Barnes is the clear choice to replace Anthony Gordon
In an ideal world, Howe could go in different directions after Gordon’s injury.
Anthony Elanga could be an option to move over to the left flank, but the Swede has yet to find his best form.
Elanga already appears to be behind Jacob Murphy on the right side, and we can’t see Howe throwing him over to the left at Brentford.
Yoane Wissa can play on the left side, but he is still out injured, and Jacob Ramsey may be better utilised as a midfielder.
Barnes coming on for Gordon in midweek leads us to believe that he will start against Brentford, and it’s an opportunity he just cannot pass up.