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Newcastle will be without both Anthony Gordon and Tino Livramento for Saturday’s trip to the Emirates Stadium, with manager Eddie Howe confirming the duo’s absence ahead of the crucial clash with Arsenal.
Gordon has been sidelined since last week with a hip injury that also ruled him out of Newcastle’s home defeat to Bournemouth. The midfielder, who has attracted transfer speculation linking him with a potential summer move away from St. James’ Park, underwent scans that confirmed the damage.
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“Anthony won’t make this game,” Howe told reporters on Friday. “It’s not a serious injury but he won’t be fit for Saturday.”
When questioned about any potential concerns over Gordon’s commitment amid the transfer rumors, Howe was quick to dismiss such suggestions. “\[He\] is injured, 100 per cent,” the Newcastle manager replied. “So it’s a non-question.”
Livramento faces longer spell out
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While there remains hope that Gordon could return before the season’s end, Tino Livramento faces a more uncertain timeline. The full-back was forced off during the Bournemouth match with a thigh complaint and could potentially miss the remainder of the campaign.
According to reports, Livramento will miss at least three games in a best-case scenario as Newcastle await the results of further scans. The defender has previously been linked with a move to Arsenal.
“With Tino he went for a scan initially. We will wait and see if he will play again this season,” Howe explained. “He is very level-headed and stable mentally. He was outstanding last season and this year has been different.”
The Newcastle boss highlighted how injuries have disrupted Livramento’s season. “He has never been able to find that run of games to find his best form. He is an outstanding player but hasn’t had that chance to have his best run.”
Boost for Arsenal’s top-four hopes
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The absence of both players will come as welcome news for Arsenal as they continue their push for Champions League qualification. Gordon has been one of Newcastle’s key creative outlets this season, while Livramento’s pace and attacking threat from full-back have been missed during his injury-hit campaign.
Arsenal currently sit in a strong position to secure European football next season, and facing a depleted Newcastle side could provide the perfect opportunity to strengthen their grip on a top-four finish. The Gunners will be looking to capitalize on Newcastle’s defensive concerns, particularly with Livramento’s absence leaving them short of options at full-back.
The match at the Emirates Stadium represents a crucial fixture for both sides, with Arsenal seeking to maintain momentum in their European qualification bid while Newcastle look to bounce back from their recent defeat to Bournemouth.