Eddie Howe faces Anthony Gordon conundrum ahead of Newcastle's clash against Chelsea - and admits he must be 'careful' about bringing winger back into the line-up

Eddie Howe knows helium has a large enactment telephone up of Newcastle’s Champions League six-pointer against Chelsea - what to bash with Anthony Gordon?

The England winger has not started a crippled since being sent disconnected successful the FA Cup 5th circular decision by Brighton astatine the commencement of March. He was suspended for 3 matches, including the Carabao Cup final, and has either been injured oregon connected the seat ever since.

But Gordon gave his astir impactful cameo yet during past weekend’s 1-1 gully astatine Brighton, and has followed that up with what Howe calls his ‘best week’ of grooming since injuring his hep during March’s planetary break.

With 3 games to spell successful Newcastle’s quest for the apical five, and with Gordon having proven himself to beryllium a subordinate for the large juncture this season, Howe admits helium has fixed him a determination to make.

‘There’s an knowing from Anthony that helium hasn’t been afloat acceptable (in caller weeks),’ said Howe. ‘We person had discussions and communications, which I effort to bash with each the players. But naturally, I cognize now, helium feels bully wrong his assemblage and feels acceptable to start. That is the determination I person to make.

‘But ultimately, you person to effort and prime connected what you spot and the relationships successful the squad person been good, truthful you’ve got to beryllium cautious not to alteration thing that doesn’t request changing.’

If Howe were to marque a change, it would perchance mean breaking up the left-sided pairing of Tino Livramento and Harvey Barnes, which has done truthful good successful Gordon’s absence. The caput manager seemed reluctant to bash that erstwhile pressed connected their form.

‘I can’t springiness capable recognition to some Tino and Harvey, helium said. ‘I deliberation Tino has been outstanding. I truly do. Defensively and offensively. His usage of the ball, his tactical knowing has been excellent.

‘And past to Harvey. Harvey's played successful his presumption and he’s played it precise well. He's an undoubted extremity menace successful each crippled and he's 1 of our highest players for shooting and chances created, truthful I'm delighted that he's shown everybody conscionable however bully helium is.’