Thomas Tuchel plans to take no risks with Anthony Gordon, despite naming the injured Newcastle United star in the England squad.
The 24-year-old is currently suffering from a hip problem, having been withdrawn early on in Newcastle United’s win over Athletic Club on Wednesday night.
Anthony Gordon has now been substituted early two games in a row because of this injury, raising concerns over his availability for this weekend and beyond.
The Magpies are in action against Brentford on Sunday, with Eddie Howe admitting Gordon is a doubt. However, he has not ruled out the Toon winger.
After that, Gordon could be playing for England in World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania. However, that is only if he is deemed fit enough, with Thomas Tuchel vowing to put every player’s health first.
Anthony Gordon is down injured during Newcastle United's Champions League game against Athletic Club.
Photo by Ed Sykes/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Thomas Tuchel addresses Anthony Gordon’s fitness
Having announced his England squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, Tuchel has been asked about Gordon’s importance to his team and what this injury concern means for his inclusion.
“He [Gordon] gives intensity, hunger and physical input that is very rare to find and helps us a lot to build a team identity that we need,” he said.
“He puts the effort in and he is relentless. We are aware he has been subbed twice for minor issues. We are in close contact with the Newcastle medical staff on a very trustful and professional level.
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“We decided to call him up and my last information is that we have a chance he will come to the camp and we will take care of him.
“We will not take any unnecessary risk. Players’ health is always first.”
Why Anthony Gordon will be desperate to play for England despite Newcastle United injury
Given the type of character that he is, Gordon will be desperate to be involved for Newcastle United on Sunday and then for England over the international break.
The Three Lions games are particularly important for Gordon, as he aims to earn a place in the 2026 World Cup squad.
He has been a firm favourite of Thomas Tuchel’s ever since he became manager, but there is plenty of competition to start on the left of attack for England. Marcus Rashford is probably Gordon’s biggest challenger, as he enjoys a remarkable turnaround at Barcelona.
While Gordon has been inconsistent in a Newcastle United shirt, he has been very impressive for England as of late. He will want to continue that momentum against Serbia and Albania, as on current form he cannot rely on his Toon performances to carry him towards the 2026 World Cup.