Newcastle United team news: Eddie Howe has provided injury updates on Anthony Gordon and Tino Livramento ahead of Saturday’s trip to Arsenal.
The Magpies sit 14th in the Premier League with five games to go and have been hit with a couple of fresh injury blows over the past week.
Anthony Gordon missed the 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth due to a hip injury while Tino Livramento was forced off in the match with a thigh problem.
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Double injury concern for Newcastle United
And where are concerns as to whether the full-back will play again this season.
“Yeah, with Tino he went for a scan initially,” Howe said. “We don't think it's a bad injury. Wait and see whether he'll play again this season.
“He’s due to have another scan at the weekend, and that will determine the full extent of it.”
The injury could impact Livramento’s World Cup chances, particularly if he is out for the remainder of the season.
“I think Tino's a very level-headed, very stable mentally,” Howe added. “I think he’s had a frustrating season, such a good season last year. He was outstanding, was fit and available and really contributed to what we delivered.
“This year’s been different, and that's just the life of a footballer I'm afraid. He's never been able to get that run of games to really find his best form. An outstanding player, we just hope he has a better run of health.”
When asked when Gordon would be back available, Howe continued: “Yeah, I think he won't make the game. He hasn't trained this week. Again, not a serious injury, but not in time for this game. Hopefully, for the next game.”
NUFC low on confidence
Newcastle have lost eight out of their last 11 Premier League matches and have their chances of European qualification hanging by a thread. And Howe believes his side are lacking confidence ahead of the trip to the Emirates Stadium.
“We're all feeling that pain at the moment,” he admitted. “You know, it's been a difficult period for us. I think we're very determined to find that form of last year to try and win as many games as we can.
“We pride ourselves on historically, even if we lose a game, fighting to the end, giving everything to try and get a result. I feel the players are currently at the moment, maybe lacking in a little bit of confidence.
“We've lost a little bit of our normal regular flow and rhythm that we've had in historical times. There's only one way to refine that though, and that's through my opinion, hard work... a really good period of training. The players staying very stable mentally, and seeing it for what it is and just trying to rediscover and enjoy their football and try and find their best form.”
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