Newcastle has been handed a major injury scare just before the start of the new Premier League season, with Anthony Gordon being forced off during its friendly against Atletico Madrid.
The former Everton forward was playing up front for the Magpies as Alexander Isak continues to be kept away from the squad amid his transfer saga with Liverpool. With the new league campaign just a week away now, Gordon looked to be the favorite to lead the line for Eddie Howe's side in their opener against Aston Villa.
That is in serious doubt now, with Gordon having been forced off during Saturday's friendly against Atletico - and that could have further implications for Liverpool and Isak.
Gordon pulled up during the latter stages of the game before receiving treatment to his leg. According to the Daily Mail's Craig Hope, the forward limped off the pitch before heading straight down the tunnel with a physio.
Chronicle Live's Lee Ryder did play down the seriousness of it a little more, suggesting that Gordon was walking fine as he left the pitch. Nevertheless, it is a major scare for Newcastle, and one that may have bigger implications elsewhere.
Alexander Isak of Newcastle United (14) arrives
Alexander Isak's future hangs in the balance (Image: Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
The chances of Isak being reintegrated into the squad before the start of the season are looking slim, but if Gordon is facing any time out of the side, then that will almost certainly strengthen Newcastle's resolve to hold onto the Swedish international.
New reports on Saturday had already claimed that the Magpies' Saudi owners had blocked Isak from leaving for Liverpool this summer, leaving the striker furious.
Isak has been isolated since returning to the north-east, having sat out Newcastle's tour of Asia as speculation grew over a move to Anfield.
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He has been training away from the rest of his teammates, while Howe admitted on Friday that there is currently no plans to bring him back into the fold.
"We’ve had discussions and it’s clear at the moment we can’t have him involved with the group," Howe said.
"I don’t know how long that will be for. It’s clear I can’t involve him with the team at the moment. He is training later than the rest of the squad. There have been discussions since the tour. I don’t think disciplinary action has happened.
"He is here, so of course he has a future at Newcastle. From our perspective, we would love to have him back with the team, but the situation has to be right for that to happen."