Anthony Gordon set for early Newcastle return after Liverpool ban – official fixture date confirmed
The rhythm of a football season is often dictated by the availability of key players, and for Newcastle United, the absence of Anthony Gordon has introduced a challenging disruption.
The 24-year-old winger received a straight red card during a heated match against Liverpool last month following a VAR review of his challenge on Virgil van Dijk.
The subsequent three-match suspension has created a complex situation for manager Eddie Howe, as the club navigates multiple competitions with a crucial attacker sidelined.
Gordon has already served one game of his ban, watching from the sidelines as Newcastle ground out a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Leeds United.
He will also miss the upcoming Premier League fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers at St. James’ Park on September 13th.
However, the unique scheduling of different tournaments means his return will be somewhat staggered, creating a stop-start reintroduction to the team.
Fans eagerly awaiting his comeback will get their first glimpse in the electrifying atmosphere of a Champions League night.
Gordon is eligible to return for the club’s highly anticipated group stage opener against Barcelona on September 18th—a fitting stage for a player of his energy and attacking intent.
Yet, his domestic suspension will immediately resume after that European night. He must sit out the following Premier League match against AFC Bournemouth on September 21st before becoming available again for domestic action.
His full return to Newcastle’s lineup will officially come in the Carabao Cup third round tie against Bradford City, scheduled for September 24th.
This peculiar calendar is a direct result of Newcastle’s participation in the Champions League, which causes a shift in the Carabao Cup schedule.
Because of this, Gordon ends up missing one more league game than he would have if the club were not in Europe, a small but meaningful consequence of their success last season.
Ultimately, his first Premier League match back will be a blockbuster encounter at home against Arsenal on September 28th, a fixture that will demand everyone at their best.
In the meantime, Gordon will join the England squad during the international break, where he is available to play in matches against Andorra and Serbia, ensuring he maintains some match sharpness despite his club suspension.
His absence comes at a time when Newcastle is searching for momentum. The team has made a difficult start to the new Premier League season, earning just two points from their first three matches.
The promising performances against Aston Villa and Liverpool, though ultimately fruitless, showed glimpses of the team’s potential.
However, the fact remains that the club has not won an official match since their 2-0 victory over Chelsea back in May—a result that itself was enough to secure their return to the Champions League.
Now, competing in Europe’s elite competition for the first time under its new “Swiss model” format, Newcastle faces a daunting but exciting group phase.
The draw has pitted them against Barcelona, Union SG, Benfica, PSV Eindhoven, Marseille, Bayer Leverkusen, Athletic Club, and Paris Saint-Germain.
The return of a player of Gordon’s caliber—a dynamic forward capable of changing games with his direct running and creativity—will be a welcome boost as the team looks to find its rhythm, secure that first win, and make a serious push on all fronts this season.