Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has admitted that the absence of Anthony Gordon for Tuesday's Premier League clash with Everton is a "huge blow", but he believes that it could turn out to be "a blessing in disguise".
Gordon was handed the first red card of his career for two bookable offenses in the Magpies' thrilling 4-3 comeback victory over West Ham United last weekend.
The 23-year-old, who won both penalties scored by teammate Alexander Isak, received his first yellow card for pulling back Mohammed Kudus in the first half, before being dismissed in second-half stoppage time for kicking the ball away.
Gordon has been a standout performer for Newcastle so far this season, contributing with 10 goals and seven assists in 40 appearances across all competitions, and he recently made his senior England debut.
However, the winger is now unavailable to face his former club Everton on Tuesday as he will serve a one-match suspension.
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Eddie Howe discusses Anthony Gordon absence
Speaking to the media on Monday about the absence of Gordon, Howe said: "That's a huge blow for us, it sort of summed up the day really, another absentee.
"A big blow for us, especially for him personally with the game it was, but Harvey [Barnes] and Elliot [Anderson] have come on the pitch and done really well so at least we have players in form."
However, Howe later added, as quoted by BBC Sport, that Gordon's suspension could "be a blessing in disguise long term" as it "gives him a little rest" ahead of a busy fixture schedule heading down the home straight.
Gordon has since hit out at the "ridiculous" rules after being suspended for the Everton clash, adding: "I tapped the ball away. How far you want to look into that... it's incredible really. To get sent off for tapping a ball five yards.
"To be honest with you, I only think he (referee Robert Jones) booked me because he didn't know he'd booked me before. That's not good enough to be honest with you.
"I don't want to complain about referees because they have a job to do. They are the rules so he's sticking to the rules and laws of the game but it's ridiculous really."
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Eddie Howe provides Kieran Trippier injury update
Meanwhile, Howe has revealed that Kieran Trippier is touch-and-go for their encounter with Everton and will have his calf injury assessed ahead of kickoff.
"Kieran is improving," said the Magpies boss. "It was a difficult injury for him, one on the calf and one that we have to be very, very careful with. We hoped he would be fit in and around this game (West Ham). But we will have to wait and see how he goes this week.
"I think he is desperate to be involved, he knows what is at stake for us between now and the end of the season. His qualities are obvious. So we are desperate for him back but it has to be at the right time."
Matt Targett was also unavailable for selection against West Ham, but Howe hopes that he can soon call upon the defender, adding: "He has a little bit of tendonitis on his Achilles. Not a big problem. We envisage he will be back soon."
Valentino Livramento and Miguel Almiron are two other doubtful players for Tuesday's match after coming off with respective ankle and knee injuries against West Ham, while Jamaal Lascelles, Sven Botman (both ACL), Callum Wilson (pectoral), Joelinton (thigh), Nick Pope (shoulder) and Lewis Miley (back) are all ruled out.
Oliver Thomas
