Newcastle United 27-year-old set to start vs Leicester City amid injury concern
Jordan Cronin
3 – 4 minutes
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Anthony Gordon is back available for Newcastle United after suspension but he might have to wait before returning to the starting XI.
Harvey Barnes is set to keep his place in Newcastle United’s starting XI for the visit to former club Leicester City on Monday night.
Barnes has often struggled to nail down a regular starting spot since joining from Leicester City for £38million in July 2023, with the majority of his 54 appearances and 10 goals coming as a substitute. If the winger starts at the King Power Stadium as expected, it’ll be the first time he has started four consecutive matches for the Magpies.
Harvey Barnes set to start against his former club
Asked about Barnes’ form, United head coach Eddie Howe said: “Yeah, really pleased. I think Harvey has been chomping at the bit to play. He’s been desperate to showcase what he can do. He brings unique things to the team. He’s definitely a goal threat. He had seven shots against Brentford off both sides of the pitch.
“I trust him a lot. I think he’s got a lot of great attributes that we want in the team so, I’ve been really happy with how he’s come into the team and built relationships with Joelinton and Tino Livramento, who’s playing on the other side.
“I think they’ve done really well. They’ve been a consistent threat down that left-hand side. So, delighted with that side of the pitch.”
Gordon’s suspension is now over and he will be part of the squad on Monday – if he overcomes the injury he picked up on international duty with England a fortnight ago.
But there is no guarantee over when Gordon will return to starting line-up with Barnes performing well on left, while on the opposite side Jacob Murphy is enjoying a productive campaign with six goals and 10 assists.
Howe said: “Yeah, I think that’s the message to any player. When you get your opportunity, you’ve got to try and take it. You’ve got to try and grab it and make it impossible for me to take you out. So, that’s the challenge for Harvey and hopefully he continues to play well.”
Anthony Gordon injury update
Speaking to the media on Friday, Howe revealed Gordon hadn’t yet trained with his teammates with the 24-year-old still feeling the affects of the heavy blow to took to his leg against Albania.
“No, he hasn’t [trained]. No, not yet,” Howe said. “He’s another one that we’re monitoring. We think he’s still recovering from the really, really bad knock he got for England, which still got a huge bruising on his leg.
“He’s done individual training. He’s not done group training. He’s still not feeling 100% pain-free. So, again, let’s wait and see.”
