Newcastle forward Anthony Gordon does not have a serious injury and could feature against Brentford on Sunday, says manager Eddie Howe.
The former Everton man was replaced during the first half of Newcastle’s Champions League win over Athletic Club in midweek.
But Howe says the injury is being managed and has not stopped Gordon from being named in Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad.
Howe said: “We don’t think it is a serious injury but we are getting him scanned and waiting on the result.
“I think there is every chance he might miss our game on Sunday but we will give him every opportunity to be fit.
“I feel relaxed about him being with England.
“It will all be done with England’s blessing in terms of whether he is fit or not fit. We will work together to find the best solutions for Anthony.”
Howe had less promising news over striker Yoane Wissa.
The 29-year-old is yet to make his debut since a big-money move from Brentford after injuring his knee on international duty with DR Congo.
Howe said: “Injuries are part and parcel of football and especially with the schedule we have had.
“The only frustrating thing about this one is that we haven’t seen him, he wasn’t with Newcastle when he did it.
“It’s been difficult because the transfer was with the sight of trying to help us here and now. We need him and we desperately want to see him fit.”
Howe comfortable with ‘honest’ Tonali
Howe has no issue with midfielder Sandro Tonali’s admission that he would be foolish to commit himself to the club for 10 years.
The Italy international, who is under contract until 2030, spoke candidly about his long-term future after Wednesday night’s Champions League victory.
He said: “I don’t want to say I want to stay here 10 years and in two years, three years, four years, five years I will go. I want to think, just for me, year on year.”
Asked about Tonali’s comments, Howe said: “I’m always comfortable with honesty. None of us can make any massive statements about the future because life is so unpredictable and football certainly is at the sharp end of that, it’s so unpredictable, so I think Sandro has been very honest.
“He’s happy and I think that’s the key thing, when he said he’s enjoying his football. When I see him every day, I see a player that is happy and feels fulfilled, happy in the team that he’s in, happy with his team-mates, happy with the environment.
“He loves it here in Newcastle, so our challenge is to keep providing him that environment, and of course his job is to keep playing well, and he’s certainly been impressive this season.”
