Eddie Howe hopes that Newcastle United's £45million man Anthony Gordon will be fit for the visit of Manchester United next month.
Although, Howe says the Scouser's injury scan on an ankle problem was not "plain sailing" and the player must be assessed in the period building up to Man United. Gordon is scheduled to join Newcastle in Dubai after their trip to Nottingham Forest when the team heads to the Middle East for warm weather training.
Howe said: "That’s the plan. We’re trying. The scan wasn’t plain sailing, it wasn't a shoo-in. It wasn’t a week or two injury.
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"It’s slightly more serious than that, so we're doing everything we can to get him back as quickly as possible. At the moment he’s in a period where he’s staying off the grass, staying off his feet, and the injury’s healing. It feels good, but he’s got work to do to get ready for that game."
Howe also indicated that Gordon was not the only player to miss training this week. And while he did not specify names, he said there could further absentees. He said: "We hope to have the majority available."
Newcastle head to the City Ground to face Nottingham Forest knowing they will go toe to toe with former stars Jonjo Shelvey and Jack Colback. However, Chris Wood can't play as he is still "technically" on loan before a permanent deal later this year goes through.
Howe said at this Press conference: "Both players were highly regarded by us, players and staff. Jonjo and Chris played huge roles in keeping us in the league.
"That was a really difficult moment for the club but both players stood up and excelled. That is not forgotten by me or anybody connected by the club.
"They both left with our best wishes and we were very thankful for the contribution they gave the club."
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