Newcastle United to Face Arsenal Without Injured Duo Gordon and Livramento; Livramento''s Season in Jeopardy
Introduction
Newcastle United will be without winger Anthony Gordon and full-back Tino Livramento for their Premier League fixture against Arsenal on Saturday, due to injuries sustained in the previous match. Livramento''s injury is considered severe, potentially ending his season and affecting his prospects for England''s World Cup squad.
Main Body
The match at the Emirates Stadium carries significance for Arsenal, who are level on points with league leaders Manchester City. City are engaged in FA Cup semi-final commitments this weekend, affording Arsenal an opportunity to move clear at the summit. Newcastle, currently in 14th place, have lost three consecutive matches and are unlikely to qualify for European competition without a significant improvement in form. Gordon, who has been the subject of transfer speculation involving Arsenal and Bayern Munich, was ruled out of the previous defeat to Bournemouth with a hip injury. Manager Eddie Howe confirmed on Friday that the same injury would prevent Gordon from traveling to London. Howe stated that the injury is not serious and that Gordon is expected to return to training next week. When questioned about Gordon''s commitment amid transfer rumors, Howe dismissed the notion, asserting that the player is ''100 per cent'' injured. Livramento, also linked with a move to Arsenal, was forced off during the Bournemouth match with a groin/thigh complaint. Initial scans have indicated a ''bad injury,'' according to Howe. Further scans are scheduled for the weekend to determine the full extent of the damage and whether Livramento will play again this season. Howe noted that Livramento has had a frustrating season, unable to maintain a consistent run of games. The injury poses a risk to Livramento''s inclusion in England''s World Cup squad, with the final submission deadline of May 30 approaching. Livramento started in a friendly draw against Uruguay and featured in a loss to Japan last month, suggesting he is in Thomas Tuchel''s plans. Additional Newcastle absentees include midfielder Joelinton, who is serving a two-match suspension after accumulating ten yellow cards. Defender Fabian Schar, who was expected to return from an ankle injury, underwent minor foot surgery and is now projected to be unavailable for approximately another month. Emil Krafth remains sidelined with a knee injury.
Conclusion
Newcastle United will face Arsenal with a significantly depleted squad. The prognosis for Livramento remains uncertain pending further medical evaluation, with potential implications for his participation in the World Cup. Gordon''s absence is expected to be short-term.