Newcastle’s Triple Fitness Boost
Newcastle United has received a significant morale boost as three of their key players—Anthony Gordon, Dan Burn, and Sven Botman—have emerged from recent scans unscathed. This good news comes at a crucial time, just over a month before the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool, where the team will need all the depth and talent they can muster.
Relief for Howe and the Squad
When Anthony Gordon and Sven Botman stayed back from the 3-2 FA Cup win at Birmingham due to a quad problem and a knee issue, respectively, there were genuine concerns about the impact on the team. Dan Burn’s groin strain in the second half only added to Eddie Howe’s worry. However, the results of the scans have brought a ray of hope. Gordon’s thigh problem has cleared, and he is expected to be fit to face Manchester City on Saturday. This is a huge relief for Howe, especially given that Harvey Barnes is still a fortnight away from returning to action after a thigh injury.
Defensive Boost
The news is even more positive for the defensive line. Newcastle’s decision to allow defender Lloyd Kelly to join Juventus in January was made with the understanding that both Botman and Burn were fit and competing for the left-sided centre-back position. When Botman took a knock to his knee during the Carabao Cup win over Arsenal and Burn sustained what appeared to be a serious groin strain at St Andrew’s, the concerns escalated. However, the scans have indicated that both players’ issues are not as severe as initially feared. While they are not yet pain-free, there is a good chance they will be available for the crucial match against Manchester City.
Wembley Preparations
The Carabao Cup final against Liverpool at Wembley on February 26 is a significant target for Newcastle. The team has been building momentum, and the fitness of key players is crucial for their performance. The availability of Gordon, Burn, and Botman will provide a significant boost to Howe’s planning. While their inclusion for the trip to the Etihad remains in doubt, Emil Krafth is on standby to fill in as a centre-back alongside Fabian Schar if needed. The positive news means that Newcastle can approach the final with a more complete squad, increasing their chances of success.
Young Talent on the Horizon
Adding to the good news, Newcastle is closing in on the signing of Malaga winger Antonio Cordero. The 18-year-old has been a target for some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Barcelona and Real Madrid. However, Mail Sport revealed on Monday that talks had progressed, and the Magpies are well-positioned to secure his signature. Cordero, who is a free agent in the summer, has indicated his desire to join Newcastle, and a deal is expected to be announced soon. This signing would not only add depth to the squad but also inject fresh talent and potential for the future.
Looking Forward
As Newcastle prepares for their upcoming fixtures, the fitness updates and potential new signing have provided a much-needed confidence boost. With the Carabao Cup final looming, the club is in a better position to face the challenges ahead. Eddie Howe and his team can now focus on their game plans with the assurance that their key players are in good shape and the future looks bright with the addition of a promising young talent like Antonio Cordero. The stage is set for an exciting and potentially historic month for Newcastle United.
