Anthony Gordon’s evening at St James’ Park ended in frustration as the Newcastle United forward was forced off before half-time during their 2-0 Champions League victory over Athletic Bilbao.
The young winger, who has been one of the standout performers in Europe this season, appeared to suffer a recurrence of a hip injury that has troubled him in recent weeks, leaving Eddie Howe with fresh concerns as his side continue to juggle a demanding fixture schedule.
Gordon had entered the game in fine form on the continental stage, scoring three times in the competition, even though his Premier League goal tally remains blank this term.
Determined to extend his run and inspire the Magpies to another vital win under the lights, his evening took a turn for the worse in the 41st minute when he pulled up clutching his hip.
The sight of him limping off visibly disappointed both the player and fans, who have come to admire his energy and intensity on the flanks.
Eddie Howe later confirmed that the initial signs were not encouraging. “I’ve not spoken to him properly yet, and I haven’t had a full update from the medical team,” Howe said via The Northern Echo.
“It seems like a recurrence of his hip injury that has been plaguing him in recent weeks. We’ll assess that and see what damage is there.”
His words reflected the uncertainty surrounding Gordon’s condition, as Newcastle await medical assessments to determine the extent of the problem.
Just days earlier, Howe had admitted that Gordon was carrying a slight hip issue during their Premier League defeat to West Ham.
That problem appeared to resurface against Bilbao, forcing him off before the break as he left the pitch clearly in discomfort. The timing of the injury could not be worse, with crucial club fixtures and England’s upcoming international matches looming.
It now seems highly unlikely that Gordon will feature for Gareth Southgate’s side later this month, which may, however, provide him a chance to rest and recover fully before returning to club duty.
Gordon’s absence will undoubtedly be felt, as he has become a vital part of Howe’s attacking setup. His pace, directness, and relentless pressing have often set the tone for Newcastle’s performances, particularly in Europe.
The hope within the camp is that the setback proves to be minor, but given the recurrence, Newcastle’s medical staff are expected to take a cautious approach to avoid aggravating the issue further.
Unfortunately, Gordon was not the only Newcastle player facing fitness concerns on the night. Young forward William Osula was also ruled out after experiencing ankle discomfort.
Although he was initially named on the bench, Howe revealed after the match that the decision was made to withdraw him for precautionary reasons. “We’ve been in discussions with him at length about his ankle in the last few days to see whether he’s fit enough to perform at the level we need,” Howe explained.
“After our talks, we decided it was better to rest him and get his ankle completely right.”
Despite these injury worries, there were some positives for the Magpies. Midfield maestro Bruno Guimaraes, who had been nursing a knock himself, managed to feature and played through the discomfort to help Newcastle secure the win.
His influence in midfield was key once again, as his leadership and composure ensured the team maintained control. Additionally, young defender Lewis Hall made a welcome return from a long spell on the sidelines, coming on late in the game to gain valuable minutes.
The night ultimately ended on a mixed note for Eddie Howe and his players. While the 2-0 victory kept their Champions League campaign on track and lifted spirits after recent domestic struggles, the injuries to Gordon and Osula highlighted the physical toll of their busy schedule.
Newcastle fans will hope that both players can make swift recoveries, particularly Gordon, whose dynamism and determination have become central to the team’s attacking rhythm.
For now, the focus will shift to the medical updates in the coming days. Howe and his staff will be eager for positive news, but if Gordon faces a spell on the sidelines, it could be a test of Newcastle’s depth and resilience as they look to maintain momentum in Europe and rediscover form in the Premier League.
