Gordon set to undergo scan as injury concerns mount

Anthony Gordon is reportedly set to undergo a scan for a hamstring injury after being forced to leave the country. Newcastle United's defeat in the EFL Cup semi-final against Manchester City.

The England striker limped out of the 3-1 defeat at the Etihad Stadium before half-time as Newcastle's defense of the trophy won last year came to an end, with City winning 5-1 on aggregate to set up a final at Wembley with Premier League leaders Arsenal.

Gordon's injury adds to a assembly list for Newcastlewho were again without captain Bruno Guimaraes, as well as Lewis Miley, Joelinton, Tino Livramento and Fabian Schar.

Howe indicated in a television interview after the match that Gordon's injury did not appear too serious, although his participation in a huge run of matches now appears in doubt.

“It looks like a hamstring issue,” Howe said in his post-match press conference.

“I don't really know how bad it is, but it was enough to make it come loose so that's a big worry.”

Howe: Newcastle need confidence

Despite earning an impressive draw with Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, Newcastle remain four games without a win in a run of matches which has seen them face Aston Villa and Liverpool as well as PSG and City.

Their next run of games looks more manageable, but is of vital importance in the inconsistent season for Newcastle, who sit 11th in the Premier League, seven points behind fifth-placed Chelsea.

They host Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday, then travel to Tottenham on Tuesday and travel to Villa in the fourth round of the FA Cup, with that match followed by a 5,000-mile round trip to face Qarabag in the Champions League.

“The team has been turned around in recent weeks,” Howe added. “It's undeniable. We lost great players and with that, we lose a little confidence.

“It’s funny, the last two games [against Liverpool and City]if you looked at that and really analyzed the games, which I know you do, you would say, “We weren't dominated throughout the games, we were in the games, we didn't defend well enough and we didn't take a lot of the chances that we created.”

“So we still think we're a good team, we just have to protect our confidence level at all costs, that's my first thought.”