Newcastle United eye Carabao Cup final loophole after Anthony Gordon ban and Liverpool fume

Newcastle United’s preparations for the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool have been thrown into disarray over the past week, with a series of setbacks disrupting Eddie Howe’s plans.

Anthony Gordon’s straight red card against Brighton in the FA Cup, coupled with injuries to Lewis Hall and Sven Botman, has left the Magpies’ left side severely weakened. These absences could not have come at a worse time, as Newcastle gear up for a crucial Wembley showdown against one of the Premier League’s most formidable sides.

Gordon’s dismissal against Brighton means he will miss the next three matches, starting with tonight’s Premier League clash against West Ham. The suspension also rules him out of the Carabao Cup final, a bitter blow for the winger, who would have relished the chance to face his boyhood club on such a grand stage.

To make matters worse, Lewis Hall’s season has been cut short due to an ankle operation, while Sven Botman’s knee injury has forced him to undergo surgery. These setbacks have left Howe scrambling to find solutions on the left flank, an area where Liverpool’s attacking prowess, led by Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, could prove devastating.

As Newcastle prepare for tonight’s trip to West Ham, Howe faces a delicate balancing act. With the Carabao Cup final just days away, the manager must decide whether to rest key players or field a strong side to maintain momentum in the league.

Howe has made it clear that he cannot afford to take his foot off the pedal, emphasizing the importance of both competitions. However, the absence of Gordon, Hall, and Botman has added an extra layer of complexity to his decision-making.

One player who will be pivotal in navigating these challenges is Joelinton. The Brazilian midfielder, who recently returned from a six-week injury layoff, played an hour against Brighton and is expected to start against West Ham as he builds up his match fitness.

Joelinton’s physicality and versatility make him a valuable asset, but his disciplinary record has raised concerns. With nine yellow cards in the league this season, he is just one booking away from a two-game suspension.

However, the good news for Newcastle is that any ban resulting from a yellow card would only apply to Premier League fixtures, meaning Joelinton would still be available for the Carabao Cup final. Only a red card would rule him out of the Wembley clash, leaving fans hopeful that he can keep his composure against West Ham.

Joelinton’s role in the final is likely to be crucial, especially in Gordon’s absence. Whether deployed on the left side of attack or in midfield, his presence will provide additional protection for whoever fills in at left-back, likely Tino Livramento or Matt Targett.

This will be particularly important given Salah’s threat down Liverpool’s right flank. Howe has acknowledged Joelinton’s competitive nature, stating, “He’s always on the line in terms of that side, but you need players like that in your squad. We’d be desperately disappointed to lose him for two games, but hopefully he can control himself like the last time he was on the precipice of a ban.”

The issue of suspensions has been a hot topic in recent days, particularly after Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez escaped a red card for a reckless challenge on Southampton’s Kyle Walker-Peters. Nunez was shown only a yellow card, a decision that left many Newcastle fans and pundits frustrated.

Chris Sutton, speaking on BBC 5 Live, described the challenge as “reckless” and “daft,” adding that Liverpool were fortunate to finish the game with 11 players. Had Nunez been sent off, he would have missed the Carabao Cup final, a scenario that would have significantly altered the dynamics of the match.

As Newcastle navigate this challenging period, the focus will be on resilience and adaptability. The absence of key players has tested the squad’s depth, but it also presents an opportunity for others to step up and make their mark.

Joelinton’s availability for the final is a silver lining, and his performance against West Ham will be closely watched as he looks to strike the right balance between aggression and discipline.

The coming days will be pivotal for Newcastle United. A strong showing against West Ham could provide a much-needed confidence boost ahead of the Carabao Cup final, while also keeping their Premier League ambitions on track.

Howe’s ability to manage his squad effectively during this congested period will be crucial, and the performances of players like Joelinton could determine whether Newcastle can overcome the odds and secure a historic victory at Wembley. For now, the Magpies must focus on the task at hand, knowing that every decision and every moment could shape the outcome of their season.