Newcastle United 27yr old set to start vs Leicester City amid fresh injury concern

Harvey Barnes has transformed from squad player to undroppable asset during Anthony Gordon’s three-match suspension, leaving Eddie Howe with a pleasant selection headache ahead of Monday’s trip to Leicester City.

The £38 million winger stands poised to make his fourth consecutive start against his former club – a milestone marking his growing influence at St James’ Park after an injury-disrupted debut season.

Barnes’ resurgence couldn’t have come at a more opportune moment. With Gordon completing his ban but still nursing a painful leg injury sustained on England duty, the former Leicester man has cemented his claim with a series of dynamic performances.

His seven shots against Brentford showcased the directness Newcastle lacked during Gordon’s absence, while developing promising partnerships with Joelinton and Tino Livramento down the left flank.

Howe’s glowing assessment reveals how Barnes has answered longstanding questions about his consistency: “He’s been chomping at the bit to play and brings unique qualities. I trust him completely – that combination with Joelinton and Livramento has given us sustained threat.”

This newfound reliability presents a stark contrast to Barnes’ earlier Newcastle career, where just 10 of his 54 appearances came as a starter.

Newcastle’s Wing Options Compared

Gordon’s return timeline remains clouded by the aftereffects of what Howe described as a “really bad knock” against Albania. The 24-year-old has yet to resume full training, with visible bruising and discomfort delaying his comeback.

“He’s not feeling 100% pain-free,” Howe admitted, suggesting even a bench role at the King Power Stadium isn’t guaranteed.

This creates an unusual scenario where Newcastle’s Player of the Year frontrunner faces fighting his way back into contention. Gordon’s nine goals and six assists made him arguably Newcastle’s most consistent attacker this season, but Barnes’ form and Murphy’s productivity (6 goals, 10 assists) on the right have raised the competition level.

Howe’s message to all his wingers carries particular resonance: “When you get your opportunity, you’ve got to make it impossible for me to take you out.”

Barnes has heeded that warning emphatically, using Gordon’s suspension to demonstrate he offers more than just super-sub impact. His ability to cut inside onto either foot – evidenced by those seven attempts against Brentford – gives Newcastle a different dimension in the final third.

The Leicester reunion adds extra spice to Barnes’ resurgence. A product of their academy who made 187 appearances for the Foxes, his potential starring role against his old employers would symbolize the career reboot he’s engineered on Tyneside.

For Newcastle, it represents the kind of squad depth they’ve craved – genuine competition in every position rather than reliance on individual stars.

As the season enters its decisive phase, Howe faces welcome selection dilemmas rather than injury-enforced compromises. Whether Gordon returns immediately or eases back via substitutes’ appearances, Newcastle’s wide areas now boast quality options to sustain their European push.

Barnes’ emergence as a legitimate starter, not just a contingency plan, marks another step in the Magpies’ evolution from hopefuls to contenders.