Newcastle United are without Anthony Gordon for their Premier League clash against AFC Bournemouth.
Eddie Howe hosts his former club as the Magpies look to return to winning ways in the Premier League following back-to-back defeats to Sunderland and Crystal Palace.
United took the lead in both games, only to lose 2-1. Howe’s side have dropped a staggering 25 points from winning positions, leaving them 14th in the table with six matches left to play.
Newcastle are still just five points below the top seven but anything less than three points this afternoon would surely put an end to their slim European qualification hopes.
Official reason why Anthony Gordon is missing for Newcastle United
And they will have to do it without Gordon, who, according to the club, is ruled out with a “minor hip flexor injury”.
Although that is the official reason, Howe’s comments in his pre-match press conference will only lead to further speculation regarding his future.
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The England international has been linked with a move to Bayern Munich this week. In response to the rumours, Howe said he would only pick players who are “100%” committed.
“I discuss things with players all the time,” Howe said. “I don't necessarily discuss transfer speculation unless I feel it's got to a point where I have to.
“I think after I had the chat with Sandro [Tonali], the biggest thing I look for is the commitment to training because I think if I see the commitment to the training ground work, the player will perform. And that will be the same with Anthony, that will be the same with every player.
“One thing I'm not going to do is in any way play a player, any player, if I don't feel they're 100% committed to the club and to its future. Because that commitment, that resolve, what the player gives the team has to be total.
“I'm not talking about Anthony here, I'm talking generally across the board. I've always got to do what I think is right for the team and I'll continue to do that.”
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