Anthony Gordon could have played his last match for Newcastle, after Eddie Howe revealed his team selection has an eye on ‘the future’.
The head coach was asked specifically about his recent non-inclusion of the England winger, who has been an unused substitute in the last two matches after returning from a hip injury.
Gordon will join Bayern Munich this summer if the Bundesliga champions meet Newcastle’s £75million asking price. The framework of personal terms are in place but not yet agreed.
Howe was pressed on whether doubt over Gordon’s future is playing a part in him staying on the bench.
‘I think when you get to this stage of the season, part of what we will be doing, we’ll be looking to next year, naturally,’ he said.
‘Anthony’s just come back from injury. I think the team has played well in his absence and (selection) with a partial view to the future, yes.’
Anthony Gordon may have played his last game for Newcastle amid speculation over his future
Eddie Howe says he has been keeping Gordon out of the team because of eyes on the future
Would Howe play Gordon if he was needed to get a result?
‘If it’s the right thing for the team,’ he said. ‘I put the team and the club above any individual, then I would play him, of course.’
Meanwhile, Joelinton is a doubt for Sunday’s visit of West Ham with a thigh injury.
