Anthony Gordon’s hip injury forced him off in Newcastle’s 2-0 win over Athletic Club, leaving his England call-up chances in serious doubt.
Anthony Gordon’s hopes of representing England this month were left uncertain after the Newcastle United winger suffered another injury setback on Wednesday. The 23-year-old was forced off in the first half of Newcastle’s 2-0 Champions League win over Athletic Club at St James’ Park.
Gordon, who had struggled with a hip issue during the weekend defeat to West Ham, appeared to aggravate the same problem when attempting a volley that sailed over the bar. Moments later, he went down clutching his hip and signaled to the bench before being replaced by Jacob Murphy in the 41st minute.
Speaking after the match, manager Eddie Howe admitted he did not yet know the full extent of Gordon’s injury.
“I’ve not spoken to him and haven’t really had a full rundown from the medical team,” Howe told reporters. “It seems like a recurrence of his hip injury that’s been plaguing him in recent weeks. We’ll assess it and see what damage is there.”
The Newcastle boss has had to manage several injury concerns in recent weeks. Forward William Osula was ruled out before kickoff due to an ankle issue, while Bruno Guimaraes returned to action after a minor knock. Defender Lewis Hall also made a late cameo following his own lengthy recovery, while Livramento remains sidelined.
Despite the setback, Newcastle delivered a strong performance to claim their third win in the Champions League league phase. Dan Burn opened the scoring with a superb header in the 37th minute, meeting Kieran Trippier’s precise corner.
Four minutes into the second half, Joelinton doubled the lead, finishing from close range after good work by Harvey Barnes. Newcastle managed the game well thereafter, limiting Athletic Club to just one shot on target.
The result lifted Howe’s side to sixth in the table with nine points from four games, keeping their qualification hopes alive.
Gordon’s injury was a sour note the victory, but several players impressed in his absence. Trippier was influential down the right flank, assisting Burn’s opener and providing consistent defensive cover. Malick Thiaw majestically marshalled the defence while Dan Burn impressed in the left back role.
Joelinton’s physicality and pressing alongside Sandro Tonali set the tone in midfield, while goalkeeper Nick Pope remained largely untroubled throughout.
Statistically, Newcastle enjoyed 59% possession and created eight shots, four of which were on target. Their defensive resilience shone through, recording their third clean sheet of the campaign. Athletic Club, meanwhile, struggled for rhythm, registering just 0.58 expected goals (xG).
England manager Thomas Tuchel will name his squad on Friday for the November fixtures against Serbia and Albania. Gordon’s fitness will be closely monitored in the coming days before any decision is made.
Newcastle return to Premier League action this weekend, travelling to Gtech Community Stadium to play Brentford on Sunday. Howe will hope his star winger’s latest setback proves minor as the Magpies continue to battle on multiple fronts.
