Anthony Gordon has been out of the Newcastle United lineup, not featuring since 12 April.
Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe says his team selection, including leaving Anthony Gordon on the bench for the second week running, is because he is “looking at the future”.
Tactical Shift and Gordon’s Absence
Gordon’s absence included the games against Brighton and Nottingham Forest, despite him being fit enough to return to the squad after a minor hip flexor issue that caused him to miss the Arsenal and Bournemouth defeats in April. Howe says the omission was tactical.
Speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle, Howe said, “The team has performed well in Anthony’s absence. Obviously, we have gone with a bit more solidity with Joelinton playing wide and one winger the other side just to try and strengthen us defensively, because we weren’t happy with how we were defending.”
Howe added, “Since January, really, we have been disappointed – so a change of structure really. Ant has come back to fitness. He’s training well but, also, I’m looking at the future as well.”
Looking to Next Season
Howe’s team selection suggests an eye toward next season, also seen in his decision not to start Kieran Trippier.
Trippier is leaving the club at the end of the season. This was despite the former England international being the only fit recognised right-back at the club following injuries to Lewis Miley and Tino Livramento. Lewis Hall, a left-back by trade, filled in on the opposite side as a result before Trippier came on for captain Bruno Guimaraes in injury time.
Howe said, “We have got one eye on the future. That’s been clear with some of the decisions that I’ve made with the team because we want to see some players. We want to see how they are going to grow into the team.”
Howe noted the performances of other players, saying, “I thought Jacob Ramsey was magnificent when he came on. He really made a big difference. As did Harvey. So it was great to see players stepping up and grabbing their opportunities when they come.”
Focus on Development
Howe emphasized the club’s responsibility to plan for the future. “It’s our duty to try and look to the future and see what the new team is going to look like next year.”
Anthony Gordon has been the subject of formal interest from Bayern Munich.