Newcastle United, one of the big football teams in England, has been having a rough time lately. Before the new 2025/26 season even starts, the team is facing a lot of challenges, and now there’s some more bad news. Their young star player, Anthony Gordon, got hurt during a recent pre-season match against Atletico Madrid.
What Happened?
During the game against Atletico Madrid, which Newcastle United lost 2-0, Anthony Gordon, who is 24 years old and plays as a winger, had to leave the match early because of an injury. A winger is a player who usually plays on the sides of the field and tries to run fast, dribble past defenders, and make chances for the team to score goals.
At first, Gordon stayed on the field while the medical team quickly checked him out because he seemed to be in pain. After some treatment right there on the grass, he couldn’t continue playing and had to walk off the field with difficulty. He then went directly to the dressing room to rest and get more help.
The team’s manager, Eddie Howe, talked about the injury after the match. He explained that they were not sure exactly how bad it was at first. They thought it might be a muscle injury, which can sometimes take longer to heal. But later, they found out it was an ankle problem instead. Howe said, “The good news is it’s just a twist.” That means Gordon’s ankle got twisted but hopefully nothing is broken or seriously damaged. Howe also added, “The initial feeling is he should be OK.” So, while it’s a setback, it might not be something that will keep him out for a very long time.
Why Is This Bad News for Newcastle United?
Newcastle United has already been having a tough time in the off-season. The off-season is the period when there are no official league games, and teams focus on training, signing new players, and getting ready for the new season. But this year, Newcastle United has not had an easy off-season.
One big problem is that the team has tried to sign new players, but many of their targets have said no or chosen to go to other teams. This means Newcastle United has not been able to strengthen their squad as much as they hoped. Adding new players is important because it helps the team stay competitive and replace injured or tired players.
Another problem is that Newcastle has not won any of their pre-season games so far. Pre-season matches are like practice games that teams play before the real season starts. They help the players get into shape and test out different strategies. Losing these games doesn’t count in the official records, but it’s not a good sign for the team’s confidence and preparation.
Now, with Anthony Gordon getting hurt, Newcastle’s problems are growing. Gordon is a very important player for them. As a winger, he helps create scoring chances and can make a big difference in games. Losing him, even for a short time, could make it harder for Newcastle United to perform well in the new season.
Who Is Anthony Gordon?
Anthony Gordon is a young and talented English footballer who plays as a winger for Newcastle United. At only 24 years old, he has already shown a lot of promise and skill. Gordon is known for his speed, dribbling ability, and creativity on the field. He has also played for England’s national team, which is a big achievement for any footballer.
For Newcastle United, Gordon is one of the players that fans really look forward to seeing. He can run down the side of the pitch, deliver crosses into the box, and sometimes score goals himself. Because of this, his injury is disappointing news for the club and supporters.
What Does An Ankle Twist Mean?
When Eddie Howe said that Gordon has “just a twist” in his ankle, it means the joint was bent or turned in an unusual way. The ankle is a very important joint because it helps players run, jump, and change direction quickly. Twisting it can cause pain, swelling, and sometimes make it hard to walk.
Thankfully, a twist is usually not as serious as a sprain where ligaments get torn, or a fracture where bones break. If treated properly, a twisted ankle can heal well with rest, ice, compression (like a bandage), and elevation (keeping the foot raised).
The medical team will likely do some tests to make sure there is no serious damage. They will monitor how Gordon’s ankle feels over the next few days and weeks. If the injury is mild, he could be back training soon. But if it turns out to be worse than a simple twist, he might need to stay off the pitch longer.
What Does This Mean for Newcastle United’s Season?
Injuries are always a challenge for football teams because they can affect the team’s plans and performance. For Newcastle United, the timing of this injury is unfortunate because they are still trying to get ready for the new season. Pre-season is a chance to build teamwork, try new tactics, and get players fit. Losing an important player like Gordon during this time can slow down that process.
Manager Eddie Howe and his coaching staff will have to think about how to adjust their squad while Gordon recovers. They might need to give more playing time to other wingers or change the way the team attacks. It also means the team has to stay positive and work hard to avoid more injuries.
How Are Newcastle United Fans Reacting?
Newcastle United fans are known for being very passionate and loyal. They want to see their team succeed and are hopeful for a strong 2025/26 season. But with the way things have been going lately, it’s understandable that many fans are worried.
The news about Gordon’s injury has added to that worry. Supporters want him to recover quickly and be ready to help the team. Many have shared messages on social media wishing him a speedy recovery and encouraging the team to keep fighting despite the setbacks.
What Can Newcastle United Do Next?
Even though things are tough right now, there are still reasons for hope.
Medical Team Work: Newcastle United’s medical staff will do everything they can to help Anthony Gordon heal quickly and safely. Proper treatment and rehab exercises will be key.
Other Players Step Up: Sometimes when one player is injured, others get the chance to show what they can do. Newcastle United has some talented players who might get more chances to prove themselves.
Possible New Signings: The transfer window is still open, so the club might still bring in new players to strengthen the squad.
Focus on Teamwork: Eddie Howe and the coaching staff can work on building strong teamwork and tactics that don’t rely on just one or two stars.
Final Thoughts
Newcastle United United is facing a difficult time as they prepare for the new football season. The injury to Anthony Gordon during the pre-season game against Atletico Madrid adds to the challenges they are already dealing with. Although it looks like Gordon’s injury might not be too serious, it is still a setback for the team.
The club and fans will be hoping for a quick recovery for Gordon so he can return to the field and help Newcastle United compete at their best. In the meantime, Newcastle will need to stay strong, work hard, and make the most of the players they have as they get ready to kick off the 2025/26 season.
