Anthony Gordon could feature from the off in a Premier League game for the first time since February 26 when Newcastle United host Chelsea at St James’ Park on Sunday.
The wide attacker has not started a league fixture for Eddie Howe‘s men since that 2-0 defeat at the hands of Liverpool at Anfield, while his last appearance in the Magpies’ line-up in any competition came during the FA Cup fifth-round exit against Brighton & Hove Albion, where the Englishman received a red card for violent conduct.
Howe has hinted that the England international could be reinstated into the side this weekend, meaning either Harvey Barnes or Jacob Murphy will make way.
However, the biggest absence for the Magpies is Joelinton, whose knee injury means Newcastle will have to cope without the converted midfielder’s tenacity out of possession against Enzo Maresca‘s side.
Although Howe would not confirm if the Brazilian’s absence rules him out for their run-in, the Champions League-chasing side are definitely without club captain Jamaal Lascelles (knee) and Lewis Hall (foot) for the remainder of the campaign, while Matt Targett (thigh) is expected to be unavailable against the Blues.
Having gone off late in last weekend’s 1-1 draw at Brighton, Newcastle will assess Fabian Schar and Kieran Trippier before their penultimate home fixture, though both defenders are expected to start on Sunday.
One player whose inclusion is unquestionable is 23-goal forward Alexander Isak, who enters gameweek 36’s contest seeking to add to his tally and score against the London visitors for the fifth consecutive game in all competitions.
Newcastle United possible starting lineup:
Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento; Guimaraes, Tonali, Willock; Murphy, Isak, Gordon
> Click here to see how Chelsea could line up for this game
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