Gordon’s Injury in Champions League Clash Raises Concerns
England manager Thomas Tuchel is facing a new headache before the November internationals, following Anthony Gordon’s injury during Newcastle’s Champions League triumph against Athletic Club. The forward has become a regular under Tuchel, featuring from the start in October’s victories against Wales and Latvia. However, his participation in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers versus Serbia and Albania now looks doubtful.
Gordon entered the game with an impressive record of four goals in his last three Champions League outings but failed to add to that tally against Athletic. He collapsed without contact in the 41st minute, requiring on-field medical attention before being substituted by Jacob Murphy. Observers noted him holding his hip area shortly before the incident.
Howe Provides Update on Recurring Issue
After the match, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe expressed pessimism, stating he hadn’t yet consulted Gordon or received a complete medical briefing. He suggested it appeared to be a flare-up of the hip problem that has troubled the player lately, adding that further evaluations would determine the extent of the damage.
This isn’t the first time; Gordon had to withdraw from the England squad prematurely in March due to a similar hip injury sustained in a 2-0 victory over Albania. Tuchel commented then that the situation seemed serious and concerning.
Minimal Immediate Effect but Long-Term Prep Implications
With England already securing qualification for the 2026 World Cup in the USA after a 5-0 thrashing of Latvia in October, Gordon’s potential unavailability won’t drastically alter short-term results for the national team. Nevertheless, it could disrupt Tuchel’s planning for the summer ahead, as these matches are vital for selecting his optimal lineup and refining strategies for major competitions.
Tuchel is scheduled to reveal his squad selection on Friday morning.
