NEWCASTLE fans were left fuming after the club’s striker crisis deepened with an injury to Anthony Gordon.
The Magpies had been playing Gordon as their centre-forward for a friendly clash against Atletico Madrid on Saturday.
ReutersAnthony Gordon pulled up with a leg issue during Newcastle’s friendly against Atletico Madrid[/caption]
AFPHe hobbled off the pitch alongside a physio and went straight down the tunnel[/caption]
AlamyIt represents a real headache for Eddie Howe, who is desperately lacking in forward options[/caption]
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And with the Toon 2-0 down, things got even worse in the 84th minute as England international Gordon was left unable to continue.
The attacker was seen pulling up before receiving treatment on a leg issue for a couple of minutes.
Gordon went straight down the tunnel with a physio after hobbling off the pitch.
It had been hoped the 24-year-old would be able to provide the goals for Eddie Howe‘s under-siege Newcastle squad – with star man Alexander Isak not featuring due to the speculation over his future.
A frustrating pre-season plagued by several player snubs in the transfer market only got worse for Newcastle with the news of Gordon’s knock, which could leave him out of action for weeks.
And it was enough for fans emotions to boil over in frustration as they vented on social media.
One angry supporter said: “Game over, Gordon out for weeks clearly.
What an absolute joke..”
A second said: “Gordon done his hammy, we are utterly f***ed…”
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A third added: “The real frustration is that Gordon was looking revitalised and full of energy, with a willingness to press and chase anything.”
Another said: “Gordon’s hamstring going is the last thing we need.”
A fifth said: “Literally starting the season without a striker or even our makeshift one of Gordon. I know pre season is for ‘fitness’ but we’ve looked so poor in both boxes. I have no words.”
But in a silver lining for the Toon faithful, Howe gave a positive update on the seriousness of Gordon’s injury blow.
Speaking after the game, he said: “We hope he’s ok. It’s an ankle problem. We initially thought it was a muscle. The good news is it’s just a twist. The initial feeling is he should be OK.”
The Magpies lost the game 2-0 in the end courtesy of goals from Julian Alvarez and Antoine Griezmann.
For their opening Premier League game against Aston Villa next weekend, Howe’s options for the No9 spot now comes down to 22-year-old William Osula as the only natural striker at the club.
An alternative option could be the deployment of £55million new boy Anthony Elanga down the middle, having scored 12 times in 39 matches in that position.
Newcastle have recently been linked with a second attempt at signing Brentford‘s Yoane Wissa in a deal potentially worth up to £35million.
That deal may depend on a move from the Bees to land Bournemouth‘s Danjo Ouattara.
Meanwhile, the Toon are on the brink of signing AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw in a deal worth an initial £30m, plus £4.3m in potential add-ons.
PAHowe may be forced to play £55m new boy Anthony Elanga out of position due to the striker crisis at Newcastle[/caption]
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