Eddie Howe says Anthony Gordon’s recent bench role reflects planning “for next year,” while Newcastle weigh his potential summer exit to Bayern. Pep Guardiola also faces a late fitness decision on Rodri ahead of the FA Cup final, as City prepare to face Chelse
Anthony Gordon’s absence from Newcastle’s recent matchday plans has landed in the spotlight after Eddie Howe admitted his selection decisions include a glance at “the future” — and suggested the England winger could even have played his last game for the club.
Gordon has returned from a hip injury but has not been used in the last two matches. Asked directly whether uncertainty over his future played into his continued omission, Howe pointed to the stage of the season and the club’s longer timeline.
“Anthony’s just come back from injury. I think the team has played well in his absence and (selection) with a partial view to the future, yes,” Howe said.
The tension around Gordon’s Newcastle future has grown all season. He is set to join Bayern Munich this summer if the Bundesliga champions meet Newcastle’s £75million asking price. The framework of personal terms is in place, but an agreement has not yet been reached.
Howe was also pressed on whether he would step away from that forward planning if Gordon was needed to secure a result. His answer was blunt about the balance he is trying to strike.
“If it’s the right thing for the team,” Howe said. “I put the team and the club above any individual, then I would play him, of course.”
At the same time, Newcastle have their own fitness concerns going into the weekend. Joelinton is a doubt for Sunday’s visit of West Ham after picking up a thigh injury.
Across the country, Pep Guardiola was speaking ahead of Manchester City’s FA Cup build-up, joking that the Football Association should name a Wembley corporate area after him ahead of his 24th trip to the stadium as City boss.
Guardiola’s City go into their FA Cup final against Chelsea on Saturday with the aim of winning a third FA Cup of his reign. They have reached four consecutive finals but lost the last two — against Manchester United and Crystal Palace.
“I’m so disappointed that they don’t make a stand for Pep, the number of times I’ve been there — or at least a lounge or a box,” Guardiola joked.
He later added: “Maybe I need to go 24 more times. It’s been a special place, with Barcelona in 1992 and after against Manchester United with Barcelona for the second time.”
The manager also said City will make a late call on Rodri’s fitness ahead of the final, keeping the decision tight as Wembley looms.
For Newcastle, the message from Howe is clear: selection is being shaped not only by today’s needs but by what comes next — a line that will only add heat to an already difficult chapter for Gordon as Bayern wait in the background.
Anthony Gordon Newcastle Eddie Howe Bayern Munich Premier League FA Cup Pep Guardiola Manchester City Chelsea Rodri Wembley