Newcastle United are set to be without Anthony Gordon for Saturday's Premier League trip to Nottingham Forest (5:30pm kick-off).
Gordon was forced off at half-time during the 4-4 draw with Luton Town last time out at St James' Park with a twisted ankle. After the match, the winger was pictured on crutches and with a protective boot, sparking fears of a serious injury.
But it's understood those were precautionary measures with Gordon likely to be back available for selection later this month following a scan. According to The Athletic, Gordon's ankle issue will be enough to rule him out of Saturday's trip to the City Ground.
Gordon has featured in all but one of Newcastle's matches so far this season, scoring seven goals and assisting eight. The one game he missed was down to suspension.
Despite initial question marks over the £40million plus £5million in add-ons paid to Everton last January, Gordon has established himself as a key player in Eddie Howe's side this season.
Gordon's injury could see Harvey Barnes handed his first start since September. Barnes was replaced by Gordon after picking up a foot injury during the 8-0 win at Sheffield United - he returned off the bench against Luton to score an equaliser last time out.
Newcastle will also be without top scorer Alexander Isak this weekend. The striker suffered a groin injury during the 3-1 win over Aston Villa and is set to be sidelined for 'a couple of games' according to Howe. The Magpies are hoping to welcome back the likes of Jamaal Lascelles and Joe Willock with the duo understood to be close to returning from their respective injuries.
Here is Newcastle United's current injury list and expected return dates...
1. Matt Targett (hamstring)
Matt Targett has been on the sidelines after picking up a hamstring injury in the opening minutes of Newcastle’s 3-0 Carabao Cup win against Manchester United. The left-back had surgery on his hamstring in November and given a three month recovery time. Howe has since confirmed Targett is back on the grass and on the verge of returning. Expected return: Chelsea (A) - 11/03
2. Nick Pope (shoulder)
Nick Pope dislocated his shoulder against Manchester United in December and required surgery. Eddie Howe has said the goalkeeper is still a number of weeks away. Expected return: Everton (H) - 03/04
3. Callum Wilson (chest)
Wilson managed to complete 90 minutes at Nottingham Forest but ended the match with his arm in a makeshift sling. It has since been revealed the striker suffered a pectoral injury in his chest and has undergone surgery. Expected return: Burnley (A) - 04/05
4. Joelinton (thigh)
Joelinton picked up a thigh injury during Newcastle's 3-0 win over Sunderland. He was able to briefly play on before being withdrawn. Eddie Howe has ruled the Brazilian out for at least six weeks but surgery on the injury is likely to keep the midfielder out until the end of the season. Expected return date: May 2024