1 week Ago By [email protected] (Aaron Stokes)
These are the first-world problems the biggest clubs have to contend with. Struggling to choose between top quality players in a singular position. Of course Eddie Howe has concerns of his own as he recovers in hospital from an illness, but the United head coach will be keen to return to work as soon as possible to take on the big decisions at St James' Park again.
Once Anthony Gordon returns to full fitness, Howe will have that particular quandary to solve as debate is split over who starts on the left of Newcastle United’s attack in the coming weeks. Harvey Barnes has enjoyed a fruitful run in the team of late as his left-wing counterpart sat out first through suspension and then through injury. An assist against West Ham was backed up with a goal against former club Leicester just this week.
Now, as Gordon eyes a return to fitness, it is anyone’s guess as to which of the duo is given the nod. This is the exact sort of dilemma Howe wants to be tasked with. Quizzed this week over a message to Barnes regarding his playing time, the Newcastle boss responded: "I think it’s continue to take your chance.
I always say that to every player. "The training ground is match day for the lads that aren’t playing, so they need to see training as that important. They need to impress me.
They need to show that they’re better than the player in their position and that’s a really healthy squad dynamic to have, so for anyone not playing, that’s how they need to view it.” Barnes has not had it easy since arriving at St James’ Park for just shy of £40m back in 2023. Freak injuries and inconsistent game time has stunted his progress.
While he has impressed of late, it remains to be seen whether he has done enough to oust Gordon in the short term. There is an argument to suggest it is the former Everton man who should be starting if both men are fit given the fact, on paper, he would walk into Newcastle’s strongest XI. Others will point to the fact Barnes has impressed when thrown in from the outset of late and to snatch upcoming opportunities from him would be a cruel response.
It is a fascinating battle to watch unfold - and one of the only real headaches Howe has to deal with - selection wise - given his threadbare squad at present. The saving grace for Barnes may lie in the fact Gordon is recovering from a hip injury and Newcastle’s medical staff will take no risks rushing him back. If that proves to be the case, the former Leicester man must grasp this opportunity with both hands.
"Harvey has been chomping at the bit to play. He's been desperate to showcase what he can do," Howe said last week, before adding: "I've been really happy with how he's come into the team and built relationships with the likes of Joelinton and Tino Livramento. They've been a consistent threat down that left-hand side so I'm delighted with that side of the pitch.
" Whatever the outcome, Newcastle and Howe have what they desire; two outstanding talents going toe to toe at the top end of the pitch. Newcastle are in the middle of a Champions League push and fans can watch the big games with Sky Sports' discounted TV bundle. The Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle is now £35 and includes more than 1,000 live matches each season across the Premier League, EFL and more.
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