Anthony Gordon remains a doubt for Newcastle United’s Premier League game against Manchester City on Saturday.
He was forced off during Newcastle United’s Champions League win over Athletic Club, with Anthony Gordon suffering from a hip injury.
It forced him to miss the defeat to Brentford, while it also forced him to withdraw from the England squad.
Now it could keep him on the sidelines even longer, with the Chronicle reporting that Gordon is rated 50/50 for Saturday’s clash with Manchester City at St James’ Park.
Not having Gordon would be a blow for Eddie Howe, but his absence would create an opportunity for Harvey Barnes.
Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes celebrate together.
Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images
Harvey Barnes poised to start for Newcastle United against Manchester City
If Gordon is not deemed fit enough to face Manchester City then it will almost certainly be Harvey Barnes who starts on the left of attack.
He was deployed there against Brentford, producing Newcastle’s best moment with an outstanding strike. The 27-year-old once again showcased how lethal he is in front of goal, with Barnes undoubtedly the club’s best finisher since Alexander Isak’s departure.
Barnes’ finishing ability is vital for a Newcastle United side that have struggled for goals this season, and he could prove to be a real weapon against a Manchester City team that will give you space to exploit.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
While not having Gordon would be disappointing, Barnes is more than capable of stepping up. He is actually enjoying a decent run of form, getting an assist and a goal in his last two Toon appearances.
If he can make it a hat-trick of goal contributions on Saturday, perhaps Newcastle United can pick up a famous victory over Man City and start their climb up the Premier League table.
Harvey Barnes’ record against Manchester City
Barnes does have an excellent goalscoring record, but not against Manchester City.
The England international has never found the net against them across nine appearances for Newcastle United and Leicester City.
He does at least have an assist to his name. That came in 2019 during a 3-1 defeat for the Foxes.
Not only does Barnes not score or assist against Manchester City, he does not often win either. His nine appearances have provided two victories, both of which came when he was a Leicester City player.