Anthony Gordon's hamstring issue, forced substitution vs Manchester City, raises doubts ahead of the World Cup and weakens Newcastle's attack. Punters may favour backing Manchester City to progress or take the tie, avoid Newcastle win/handicap markets, and consider lower-scoring options if Newcastle struggle to create chances.
Gordon Injury Deepens Newcastle Crisis
Anthony Gordon was forced off late in the first half of Newcastle’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Manchester City and was replaced by Harvey Barnes. As he lay on the turf, Gordon appeared to indicate a hamstring problem, a worrying sign with the World Cup just four months away.
Injury details and timing
The exit came with Newcastle trailing 3-0 on the night. The potential hamstring issue is ill-timed given the pending March international window and the race for places ahead of the World Cup; Gordon will hope the problem is minor rather than long-term.
Match context
Manchester City’s three first-half strikes — a double from Omar Marmoush and a strike from Tijjani Reijnders — extended their aggregate lead to 5-0 and left Newcastle with a mountain to climb. Gordon’s departure further sapped the home side’s attacking threat.
Squad availability concerns
Newcastle went into the tie heavily depleted. Key midfielders Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton were missing, while Lewis Miley and Tino Livramento were also unavailable. Defenders Emil Krafth and Fabian Schar remained sidelined, further limiting selection options.
World Cup implications
With international selection battles intensifying, any hamstring setback could affect Gordon’s fitness and form ahead of the squad selection period. The timing compounds pressure on him to recover quickly and for Newcastle to manage his workload.
Betting implications
Gordon’s injury and Newcastle’s overall absences reduce their attacking firepower, making them a less appealing proposition in match-winner and handicap markets. Punters may lean toward backing Manchester City to progress or cover a double-chance, and consider under/over markets that reflect Newcastle’s diminished chance creation.
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Anthony Gordon has given Eddie Howe a fresh injury headache after he went off injured for Newcastle against Manchester City.
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