Anthony Gordon Newcastle Illness Sparks Howe Defence After Shearer And Keane Criticism

Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe has publicly defended Anthony Gordon after pundits criticised the forward for not starting the club’s Champions League last-16 first-leg match against Barcelona. Howe says the decision was driven by illness on the morning of the game and medical advice; Gordon later came on as a substitute in the draw and has since returned to training.

Howe Clarifies Decision Over Anthony Gordon

Howe said the 25-year-old was willing to play but had been unwell on the morning of the match and had not attended the team’s training session, prompting a medical review that led to the manager’s choice not to start him. The forward’s involvement was limited to coming on midway through the second half, and Howe insisted the call was his, made after consultation with the medical staff.

Pundit Backlash After Barcelona Tie

Several high-profile former players publicly questioned Gordon’s role as a substitute for the 1-1 home draw with Barcelona. One pundit said it would take “something extraordinary to keep myself out of this game, ” while another asked, “How can you be ill, but come on for half-an-hour?” Wayne Rooney was also critical of the decision to use Gordon from the bench. Howe pushed back on that criticism, saying Gordon had been willing to play but was not judged fit enough to start.

Fitness, Form And What Comes Next

Howe also noted that Gordon has faced significant scrutiny linked to his England international status, and praised the player’s resilience and single-mindedness in handling pressure. The manager said Gordon has since returned to training and is in contention to lead the line against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Howe characterised Gordon as a competitor and suggested that the player has adapted to different roles for the club this season.

Gordon is Newcastle’s top scorer this season with 15 goals and has contributed double-digit returns in European competition this campaign. Howe framed the episode as a matter of player welfare and match preparation, leaving the final call on selection to the management and medical team as the club balances fitness with the demands of several high-profile fixtures.