Arsenal boost as Newcastle United could be without ‘wonderful football player’ on Tuesday night
Toby Bryant
3 – 4 minutes
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Arsenal host an in-form Newcastle United side at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.
Newcastle United are assessing an injury to influential winger Anthony Gordon ahead of the Carabao Cup semi-final meeting with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.
The England international suffered a nasty knock in the Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday. Gordon was taken out by Spurs man Dejan Kulusekvski with the opposition player’s shoulder causing damage to his face.
The Magpies man was covered in blood following the coming together but was patched up by medical staff and able to continue the game. Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe hopes to have the player available to take on Arsenal, but admitted that a final call had not been made by Monday.
Newcastle United to make late call on forward’s availability
He said: “Anthony was in a bit of discomfort with the cut which was a nasty looking one. He performed really well for us I thought he had a really good game – we will see how he is today.
“Looking back at the decision, I thought it was a foul, a clear penalty. He came away from the incident with blood on himself. We dusted him down, he went back on the pitch and performed really well for us, I thought he had a really good game.”
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe.Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe.
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe. | Getty Images
The absence of Gordon would be a significant blow for Newcastle United as they make another trip to the capital following that 2-1 victory over Spurs. The former Everton man was on target at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and now has five goals and five assists across all competitions this term.
Gordon was influential when the Magpies beat Arsenal 1-0 in the Premier League earlier this season, picking up the assist for Alexander Isak’s winner. The forward scored against Arsenal last season for Newcastle United too, hitting the back of the net in a 1-0 win at St James’ Park.
Anthony Gordon impresses against Arsenal
Following his performance against the Gunners earlier this season, Gordon was praised by BBC pundit Troy Deeney as he was given a place in his Team of the Week. He said: “Newcastle are a better team when he is involved. He got an assist for Alexander Isak’s winner against Arsenal, but the way he drives with the ball and carries the team forward means he’s always a threat. He can be on the right, left or the middle – he’s just a wonderful football player for Newcastle and England.
Anthony Gordon took a blow to the face against Spurs.Anthony Gordon took a blow to the face against Spurs.
Anthony Gordon took a blow to the face against Spurs. | Getty Images
“Getting injured and then missing a penalty against Everton could have knocked his confidence but didn’t. He’s straight back on the horse, straight at it – I can respect that.”
Newcastle United arrive at the Emirates Stadium unbeaten in five, winning all of those league fixtures against Leicester City, Ipswich Town, Aston Villa, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. Gordon has two goals and three assists in those matches.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are unbeaten in 10 but had to settle for a point against Brighton on Saturday evening. The Gunners have only won two of their last six matches against the Magpies, who have proven to be somewhat of a bogey team for Arteta.
