Newcastle duo ‘very close’ to returning says Howe | OneFootball

Eddie Howe says Anthony Gordon and Tino Livramento are both “very close” to returning to action.

Gordon, who has been sidelined since the start of the month with a hip injury, is “touch-and-go” for the game against Manchester City according to his manager, and a final decision will be made on Friday. 

“He is very close,” Howe said. “He has worked very hard over the break. He is touch-and-go for the game, and we will make a decision on him today.”

Howe also confirmed that Nick Pope, who suffered a concussion before the international break against Brentford, will be back in action with the Magpies this weekend: “Nick Pope has trained and there’s no problems there.”

Livramento is also potentially available for this weekend, having trained over the international break. 

“He’s very close,” Howe said. “He’s trained in the international break which is great to see.

“He’s such an important player for us and it’s great to have him back training with the group. He’s done a lot of work. He’s been very, very good professionally with how he’s dealt with the injury and the work he’s done with the physios so I’d say he’s in good shape.

“He is an outstanding player, he has the technical qualities, together with Lewis Hall, I am really pleased to have them both potentially available.”

Some other key players will still miss out on this weekend’s fixture however, as Dan Burn is suspended following his sending off against Brentford and Yoane Wissa is still not expected to be fit. 

Howe acknowledged his side’s poor run of form, calling for a “raucous” St James’ Park, as they look to turn a corner. 

“Regardless of results, you have something to prove every game. I want the players to respond this weekend – everyone is hurt by those two away games we had, no one more than myself,” he admitted.

“We’ve been looking deep into everything we do and planned and plotted a route ahead.”