ANTHONY GORDON is still to resume training with Newcastle United, with Eddie Howe admitting he does not know when the winger will be able to return to action.
Gordon was not part of the squad at the King Power Stadium this evening as the Magpies brushed aside Leicester City 3-0 to climb back into fifth position in the Premier League table.
The England wide-man has been out of action since suffering a combination of hip and leg injuries as a result of a hefty challenge while on international duty at Wembley.
He is still to return to training, and is therefore an early doubt for Newcastle’s home game with Manchester United on Sunday afternoon.
“Anthony wasn’t close (to being available to face Leicester),” said Howe. “He hasn’t been able to train with us yet.
“He’s still feeling the effects of that tackle with England. We hope that we may see him soon, but I’ve got no certainty on that.”
Joe Willock was another absentee this evening, and the midfielder will also miss Sunday’s game as he completes the Premier League’s concussion protocols.
The midfielder suffered a bang to the head in the closing stages of last week’s 2-1 win over Brentford, and has been out of action since.
He is currently unable to train, and will not have completed the required period of rest by the time Manchester United arrive on Tyneside.
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“Joe’s concussion means I don’t think he will make the weekend,” said Howe, whose side will play Crystal Palace and Aston Villa within six days of facing Manchester United.
In Gordon and Willock’s absence, Harvey Barnes has started consecutive games down Newcastle’s left-hand side.
The former Leicester winger enjoyed himself as he returned to the King Power, scoring Newcastle’s third goal after Joelinton’s initial shot had been saved by Mads Hermansen.
Barnes went three months without starting a Premier League game prior to the Carabao Cup final, but has become increasingly influential in the last few games.
“Harvey has done really well,” said Howe. “I think, naturally, he’s got better with games, like every player does.
“He’s got more confident, and it was important he scored tonight because he is a goalscorer and he needs to contribute in that way, being such an attacking player that he is.
“He also played his part in the first goal, which I loved, with a really good decision. He’s built a good relationship up with Tino (Livramento) alongside him, and I was really pleased with that part of the pitch. I thought he defended well as well, and that can never be underestimated.”
