Arsenal are set for a significant boost this weekend as Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon is expected to miss the Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium due to a hip injury. The England international, who has been linked with a summer move to the Gunners, missed the defeat to Bournemouth last weekend and is now a doubt for the trip to north London.
Injury Concerns and Transfer Links
Gordon revealed a hip problem last Wednesday, just 24 hours before reports emerged that he was open to leaving Newcastle this summer. Arsenal are among several clubs interested in the winger, alongside Liverpool and Bayern Munich. Missing the fixture could dent his transfer hopes, as it would have served as an audition in front of potential suitors. The Daily Mail reports that a scan has revealed a problem in his hip, meaning he is likely to sit out.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe had cast doubt over Gordon's future last Friday when he stated he would not pick players who are not "100 per cent committed." However, the injury was the official reason for his absence against Bournemouth. Gordon is expected to return this season, but his participation against Arsenal remains in doubt.
Further Absences for Newcastle
In addition to Gordon, Tino Livramento is also set to miss the trip to the capital after picking up a thigh injury against Bournemouth. The full-back is in a race against time to feature again in the final weeks of the campaign.
Title Race Implications
Gordon's possible absence is a major boost for Arsenal, who are looking to bounce back after losing back-to-back league games. A victory against Eddie Howe's side is crucial, with Manchester City set to go top if they beat Burnley on Wednesday. City's wins over Chelsea and Arsenal this month have put the title race back in their hands, exposing Arsenal's lack of marquee signings in the summer transfer window.
It has become clear that a new left winger is needed, and Gordon could be the perfect fit. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia of Paris Saint-Germain is another option linked with a move to the Emirates.
Arsenal's Remaining Fixtures
Arsenal have five Premier League fixtures remaining after the Newcastle game, including trips to West Ham United and Crystal Palace, and home matches against Fulham and Burnley. They also face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals, with the first leg in Spain just days after the Newcastle clash.
Manchester City's weekend fixture against Burnley has been brought forward due to their FA Cup semi-final involvement against Southampton. City have scheduled matches against Everton, Brentford, Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, and Aston Villa in the run-in.
