Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has revealed that the injury sustained by Anthony Gordon in Monday's 3-2 Premier League defeat at Chelsea "is not looking too good".
Gordon was handed his 20th successive top-flight start for the contest at Stamford Bridge, but the winger limped off in the 35th minute after sustaining a knee injury following a collision with Marc Cucurella.
Either side of Gordon's withdrawal, Alexander Isak netted a superb equaliser on the stroke of half time to cancel out an early opener from Nicolas Jackson, but the Blues regained their advantage courtesy of second-half goals from Cole Palmer and Mykhaylo Mudryk.
Gordon's replacement Jacob Murphy scored a 90th-minute thunderbolt to give the Magpies hope of a late comeback, but they were eventually condemned to their 12th Premier League defeat of the campaign – seven more than they lost in the entirety of last season – and remain 10th in the table, three points behind the top seven.
Commenting on Gordon's condition after the match, Howe told reporters: "He is in a bit of pain and we fear it is not looking too good but it is very early days.
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"That was a huge moment in the game to lose him then. He has been so good for us this season and so consistent. That is another psychological blow for the players."
Howe added: "I think [Gordon's knee pain] was quite early on in the game, but as I said, there was no moment where he felt an injury, just the pain was there. So we sent someone over because he didn't look like he was moving right. And then eventually he succumbed to the injury."
Gordon has been a standout performer for Newcastle in his first full season at the club, contributing with 10 goals and seven assists in 39 appearances across all competitions.
The 23-year-old's setback comes as a huge blow for him personally ahead of the upcoming international break, with England boss Gareth Southgate in attendance at Stamford Bridge to watch the winger hobble off injured.
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Meanwhile, Dan Burn – who wore the captain's armband against Chelsea – was also forced off due to injury midway through the second half following an awkward landing when defending a set-piece.
Howe is hopeful that the defender is "OK" and has not sustained a serious injury, although he 'does not know that 100%'.
Both Burn and Gordon have emerged as doubts for Newcastle's next match away against Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Saturday.
Kieran Trippier is set to miss the trip to the Etihad Stadium as he continues to recover from a calf injury, while Nick Pope (shoulder), Callum Wilson (pectoral) and Joelinton (thigh) all remain long-term absentees.
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