Latest fitness news from the Magpies camp as Eddie Howe prepares for a crucial Premier League clash against the Blues
Newcastle are preparing to face Chelsea on Saturday in the Premier League, with one eye on their Champions League round of 16 second leg with FC Barcelona, while managing concerns over key forward Anthony Gordon.
The fitness of the squad remains a central talking point for Eddie Howe, particularly concerning the availability of his most influential attacking and midfield options.
While some players are nearing a return to the starting lineup, others continue their rehabilitation processes away from the training ground.
Is Anthony Gordon injured?
Anthony Gordon appears ready to reclaim his place in the starting XI for the upcoming trip to Stamford Bridge. Although he was limited to a substitute appearance in the recent draw against Barcelona, Howe has clarified that the decision was purely a precautionary measure taken by the coaching staff.
The winger had been struggling with illness on the morning of that fixture, which prevented him from participating in the final pre-match training sessions.
“He trained yesterday so he feels better,” Howe said.
“I do have to clear something up about Anthony Gordon. He was absolutely willing to play in the game against Barcelona.
“I know there’s a lot of comments but it was my decision not to start him based on the fact that he’d been ill that morning and hadn’t attended the training session.
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“He was prepared to play but in consultation with the medical team we didn’t think he was fit to start.”
Bruno Guimarães expected return date
The timeline for Bruno Guimarães to return to the heart of the Newcastle midfield is becoming clearer as he enters the final stages of his recovery.
The Newcastle captain has been sidelined with a hamstring injury and has spent a portion of his rehabilitation period in Brazil working closely with national team specialists.
He is scheduled to return to Tyneside on Monday, with the intent of supporting his teammates during their upcoming fixtures before transitioning back into the squad.
Eddie Howe is optimistic that the influential midfielder will be fit and available once the domestic schedule resumes following the impending international break.
“Bruno is back on Monday, his plan is he wants to come to Barcelona, not in a playing capacity, but to support the lads,” Howe added.
“He has been working incredibly hard on his recovery; I’d like to think by the time the international break has ended he will be back ready for us.”
In contrast, the news regarding young talent Lewis Miley is more uncertain. Miley is back to running on the grass but has yet to rejoin group training, as the club remains wary of rushing his recovery from a long-term leg injury.
