- Newcastle United star Anthony Gordon absent from matchday squad
- England international linked with move away from St James’ Park
- Bayern Munich and Arsenal said to be monitoring move
Newcastle United star Anthony Gordon has not been included in the matchday squad to face AFC Bournemouth this afternoon.
The Magpies host Andoni Iraola’s side at St James’ Park after another dramatic week on Tyneside. Eddie Howe’s side are in desperate need of three points following back-to-back defeats against Sunderland and Crystal Palace.
Newcastle still have the chance to qualify for European football next season but must clamber up the table from 14th place.
That can start with a win over Bournemouth but Howe will be without the services of Gordon. The England international is said to be unavailable due to injury.
Newcastle United confirm Anthony Gordon absence
A club statement on team news read: “There are three changes to the starting XI. Joelinton is suspended – this is the first game of a two-match ban for accumulating ten bookings – and Anthony Gordon has a minor hip flexor injury. Jacob Murphy drops to the bench.
“Jacob Ramsey, Harvey Barnes and Anthony Elanga come in. With all five of the team’s leadership group named as substitutes, Sandro Tonali wears the captain’s armband.”
It’s head-turning news after a week which saw reports that Gordon had told the club that he would be looking to leave St James’ Park this summer. It has been claimed that the winger feels as if he has ‘outgrown’ his current role.
Bayern Munich are known to be showing an interest in the player, with Arsenal also linked. Liverpool almost signed the player in 2024 and are believed to have continued interest in the former Everton man.
Eddie Howe on transfer speculation
On Friday, Eddie Howe had not spoken of any injury to Gordon but did reply to questions about transfer speculation. He said: “I think that comes with the territory. I think your best players will be the ones who are linked with high profile moves.
“It is certainly not helpful to us, it is not something we encourage or we want. We want players who are 100% focused, with no outside noise. Outside noise can affect players in different ways.
“Those players that you mentioned are all super professional, they are great players in their own way, in their own right. We need them to make the difference on the pitch and I would say the same to all the players. It is reputations and how people assess you is one thing but what you deliver on the pitch is another. We need our best players playing at their best level and that is what we need from all players stepping on to the pitch.”
In other news, ‘Do Not’: Newcastle United fans split in reaction to Bruno Guimaraes update.
