Eddie Howe and Newcastle United are set for a major selection boost ahead of Barcelona’s trip to St. James’ Park in the Champions League later this week
Eddie Howe will be able to add a £56.3 m-rated Newcastle United star to his squad to face Barcelona
Eddie Howe and Newcastle United are set for a significant boost ahead of this week’s Champions League curtain raiser against Barcelona at St. James’ Park on Thursday night.
Anthony Gordon will be back and available for selection after picking up a red card against Liverpool in last month’s 3-2 defeat. The England international is still serving that ban in domestic competitions, meaning he’ll miss the trip to Bournemouth this coming Sunday.
However, Premier League suspensions do not carry over into the Champions League. In Gordon’s case he would also have been banned for any Carabao Cup or FA Cup fixtures, had they fallen in this time period.
Unfortunately for the Toon, that isn’t the case and the 24-year-old missed the draw against Leeds United and the win over Wolves at the weekend.
Gordon was able to play for Thomas Tuchel’s England in their World Cup qualifying campaign, impressing in the 5-0 win over Serbia, getting some much-needed game time ahead of the clash with Hansi Flick’s side this week.
It means the winger, who is valued by transfermarkt in the region of £56.3 million, will be fresh and raring to go for what is expected to be a special atmosphere under the lights.
Gordon knows he’ll have a point to prove, having been shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Liverpool defender Virgil Van Dijk during the 3-2 defeat on home soil.
Anthony Gordon was sent off for a tackle on Virgil van Dijk
It was a turning point and momentum swung the balance of the match in the visitors’ favour despite Newcastle looking the better side.
The Magpies know they’ll need to be at the top of their game for the visit of Barcelona, who reached the semi-final stages of the Champions League last season.
Get your NUFC Champions League special edition
Newcastle United’s Champions League campaign is about to get under away – and we’ll be there every step of the way. To mark the start of another season among Europe’s elite, we’ve produced a special 40-page souvenir edition ahead of the big kick-off.
Packed with features and in-depth analysis, it’s a must for any United fan as we eagerly anticipate the visit of Barcelona to St James’ Park. There is also be club-by-club profiles of every competitor in this year’s tournament and the path to the knockout rounds with a full list of match fixtures.
It is now on sale, priced £3.50, in selected independent retailers and supermarkets in Newcastle. It is also available to buy from our online store for home delivery, including worldwide shipping – postage and packaging applies.
Visit our online shop to order your copy now!
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