ALAN Pardew’s told of his relief after Yoan Gouffran escaped a broken leg at White Hart Lane.
The forward – who scored Newcastle United’s goal in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur – was carried off the pitch on a stretcher.
Gouffran was left with a deep gash to his shin by Kyle Walker, who followed through on a clearance.
And the 26-year-old – who cancelled out Gareth’s Bale’s early opener with a deflected shot in the 24th minute – was sent to a London hospital for a precautionary X-ray after the game.
The visit confirmed that Gouffran – who had been an influential player on the pitch before his 57th-minute withdrawal – hadn’t suffered a break.
The score was 1-1 when Gouffran left the field, and United manager Pardew felt the injury had an influence on the outcome of the Premier League game.
“I thought it was difficult – him not finishing the game caused us a problem,” Pardew told the Gazette.
“Gouffran’s injury was a big blow – I thought it changed the game a little bit.
“We had less threat when he was off the pitch. He’s been a real highlight the last three games.”
“But, having said that, it’s not as serious as it could be. He’s got a gash. He looked less sore in the changing room, the doc said. We sent him for an X-ray.”
A statement issued by the club on Saturday evening read: “Newcastle United are pleased to report that a precautionary X-ray has shown that Yoan Gouffran has not broken his leg.
“Gouffran will be further assessed by the club’s medical staff.”
Gouffran signed for Newcastle from Bordeaux last month after a move for Loic Remy broke down. His strike against Tottenham was his first for the club.
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