Newcastle United have made one change from the team that beat Athletic Bilbao 2-0 in midweek’s Champions League clash. Jacob Murphy comes in to replace Anthony Gordon, who aggravated a hip injury on Wednesday. Harvey Barnes is expected to shift to the left flank after starting on the right in midweek.
Gordon, who has faced criticism for recent performances, hobbled off just before halftime, sparking concerns over his fitness. The £40million winger, who has yet to register a goal or assist in 19 Premier League appearances, will miss today’s clash with Brentford and has not traveled with the squad to the Gtech Community Stadium. England now face a decision regarding his availability for upcoming internationals against Albania and Serbia.
Speaking on Friday, manager Eddie Howe hinted that Gordon might miss the game in West London. “We don’t think it’s a serious injury,” Howe said. “We’re going to get him scanned and await the results. There’s every chance he could miss out on Sunday, but we’ll give him every opportunity to be fit.”
Harvey Barnes will make his first top-flight start since Newcastle’s 1-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on September 13. Jacob Murphy has been preferred over £55million summer signing Anthony Elanga, who is still searching for his first goal contribution for the club.
The rest of the team remains unchanged, with Nick Pope in goal following his Champions League clean sheet. Kieran Trippier, who missed last weekend through illness, returns alongside Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman, and Dan Burn in defense.
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