Injury blow ‘does not look good’

EDDIE Howe has indicated that Anthony Gordon’s injury does not “look good” after he went off with a knee problem during the 3-2 defeat against Chelsea, writes LEE RYDER.

Gordon’s injury hammer blow came on a night in which England boss Gareth Southgate was watching on ahead of a potential call-up for the Three Lions this week for friendly games against Brazil and Belgium.

But Gordon could be facing a lay-off, with Howe concerned over his condition after the game.

Speaking after the defeat in the capital, Howe said of Gordon: “He is in a bit of pain and we fear it is not looking too good, but it is very early days.

“That was a huge moment in the game to lose him then.

“He has been so good for us this season and so consistent. That is another psychological blow for the players.”

Gordon had signalled he was struggling early in the match and Newcastle sent over a medic to assess him. It became apparent that he would have to come off around the half-hour mark.

Howe added: “I think it [Gordon’s knee pain] was quite early on in the game. But there was no moment where he felt an injury, just the pain was there.

“So we sent someone over because he didn’t look like he was moving right. And then eventually he succumbed to the injury.

“He’s in a bit of pain but it’s not looking too good. It’s early moments, we’ll wait and see.

“It was a huge moment to lose him, given what he has done this season. It was a psychological blow.”

■ UEFA is bracing itself for the “extremely challenging” possibility of a Rangers v Liverpool Europa League final in Dublin.

European football’s governing body has reserved the 82,000-capacity Croke Park stadium as a potential fan zone, but is concerned even that might not be enough to accommodate everyone who may come to Dublin without a ticket to soak up the atmosphere for the match at the Aviva Stadium on May 22.

Rangers are level with Benfica heading into the round of 16 second leg at Ibrox tomorrow, and Liverpool are 5-1 up against Sparta Prague with the return at Anfield to come.

UEFA general secretary Theodore Theodoridis said: “One of the biggest challenges for us this year could be the Europa League final.”