Newcastle United could be without a raft of first-team players for the visit to Leeds United on Saturday evening, kick-off 5:30pm. The problems are piling up for Magpies boss Eddie Howe following their heartbreaking 3-2 defeat at home to Premier League champions Liverpool last night.
The Magpies will be unable to call upon Anthony Gordon when they travel to Elland Road this weekend. The England international was sent off against the Reds, ruling him out of the next three matches. Gordon was dismissed by referee Simon Hooper after a VAR review of his untidy challenge on Virgil van Dijk.
Howe said: “It’s an unfortunate one, I think he [Gordon] is slightly unlucky with it. Everyone has told me it’s a clear red; my first opinion was slightly different, but maybe I’ve got the wrong angle, so I’ve got sympathy for him.”
With star striker Alexander Isak currently refusing to play after being denied a move to Liverpool and Gordon banned, it leaves Howe short on attacking options ahead of the trip to West Yorkshire. Will Osula may be tasking with the lead the line or Howe will have to play either Anthony Elanga, Harvey Barnes or Jacob Murphy out of position.
Influential midfield duo Joelinton, Sandro Tonali and defender Fabian Schar were also substituted in the second half of the St James' Park clash after picking up knocks. Howe told Sky Sports: “Sandro’s doesn’t look good, he was in quite a bit of pain. I don’t know the full extent of his or Joelinton’s injury, but they both look threatening for us in the essence that they could be out for a while.
“Of course, Ants [Gordon] is going to be suspended, which is a big blow for us. Just reflecting on that, I thought there was no intent. People say it looks bad. I haven’t seen it again. I’ve seen a quick image of it. I thought he was trying to pull out of the tackle.
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Leeds United
“I don’t know with Joe and Sandro, it doesn’t look good when a player comes off, especially because both looked in a little bit of pain, they’d be huge blow for us if they’re not available. Anthony will be suspended and Fabian had concussion, so not good.”
Howe's side sit 17th in the table after accruing just one point from their opening two matches.
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