Newcastle United have been dealt a hammer blow to their hopes of EFL Cup glory, as Anthony Gordon is set to be suspended for the final against Liverpool in two weeks' time.
The England international started as part of the Magpies' front three for their FA Cup fifth-round tie with Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday, joining Harvey Barnes and a fit-again Alexander Isak in attack.
However, Gordon's afternoon ended in disgrace, as the former Everton and Liverpool man was given a straight red card in the second half for pushing Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke in the back of the head.
Referee Anthony Taylor gave the 24-year-old a straight red card for his actions, and given that the winger's push on Van Hecke's head will amount to violent conduct, such an offence carries a three-game ban.
As a result, Gordon will be unavailable for Eddie Howe's side in the EFL Cup final against Liverpool at Wembley on March 16, a devastating blow to Newcastle's hopes of ending their 70-year trophy drought.
The Englishman is also set to miss Newcastle's Premier League trip to West Ham United on March 10, as well as their home top-flight game against Brentford on April 2 following the international break.
How can Newcastle replace Gordon for EFL Cup final?
© Imago
Unless Newcastle succeed with an appeal against Gordon's red card, which seems highly unlikely, the 24-year-old will watch on helplessly on March 16 as Newcastle try to win their first trophy since 1955.
The England international has been one of Newcastle's most potent attacking forces this season with nine goals and six assists from 34 games in all tournaments, combining expertly with Isak in the final third.
However, Howe has a highly competent replacement in the shape of Barnes, whose path to the starting lineup is often blocked by Gordon given both of their preferences to play on the left.
The former Leicester City man started on the right against Brighton, but he should take up left-wing duties at Wembley, where Howe will be expected to utilise Jacob Murphy on the opposite side.
Alternatively, Joelinton - who has just recovered from a knee injury - could step in for Gordon on the left wing, as all of Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, Joe Willock, Sean Longstaff and Lewis Miley can man the midfield.
Following Gordon's red card on Sunday, Brighton's Tariq Lamptey was also dismissed for a second bookable offence, while a late Fabian Schar winner was disallowed for offside as the fifth-round contest went to extra time.
Ben Knapton
