Eddie Howe gives Anthony Gordon injury update ahead of Newcastle vs Man City

Eddie Howe has shared an injury update on Anthony Gordon ahead of Newcastle United’s Premier League clash against Manchester City.

Gordon has been in terrific form for the Magpies this season, recording 15 goal contributions in 30 appearances across all competitions so far.

That includes a goal against Arsenal in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final tie last week, with Newcastle to take on Liverpool in next month’s Wembley final.

However, the England forward picked up a thigh injury in that game and subsequently missed the FA Cup fourth round win over Birmingham City.

Newcastle host Man City on Saturday with the clubs level on points and just outside the top four, so Howe is desperate to have all his best players available.

And speaking in his pre-match press conference, the Magpies boss confirmed that Gordon is fit to start the big match: ‘Anthony should be fine, he has trained this week, no problems.

‘It was a thigh problem, but he responded well to treatment over the weekend and has trained well.

‘I think it’s going to be a great few weeks for us, in terms of trying to evaluate our strengths and see where we are, how competitive we are in the league.

‘We’ve been pretty solid this season in that respect, we’ve given every team good games. This will be a pivotal part of the Premier League season. A defining few weeks for us.’

Gordon, 23, scored in the 1-1 draw between Newcastle and City in September and this could be a great opportunity for the Magpies to win three points at the Etihad, with Pep Guardiola potentially resting players ahead of a must-win Champions League game at Real Madrid next week.

Additionally, Howe revealed positive updates on defensive duo Sven Botman and Dan Burn: ‘It’s good news on [Botman’s] scan, we don’t think there’s any long-term issue there.

‘Short term there’s still a bit of pain for him, we think he will miss this weekend. Hopefully won’t be far away for the following games.

‘The initial look on Dan wasn’t positive but, he had a scan which was good, he has improved a lot very quickly, so he could be close this weekend.’

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