Newcastle explains Anthony Gordon absence after Liverpool transfer links and Eddie Howe claim

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Anthony Gordon has been ruled out of Newcastle United's clash with Bournemouth after suffering a slight hip flexor injury in training, with the former Everton star having been linked with a move this week

Anthony Gordon of Newcastle United(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)

Anthony Gordon has been ruled out of Newcastle United's fixture against AFC Bournemouth at St James' Park amid fresh speculation over his future.

However, the former Everton star is not anticipated to be sidelined for long after a scan revealed a "slight injury". Gordon experienced some tightness in his hip flexor during training ahead of the match against the Cherries. Newcastle confirmed his absence upon announcing its line up, citing a 'minor hip flexor injury'

Gordon had been linked with a potential move to Liverpool and Bayern Munich this week but had trained well until suffering the setback. The player has not submitted a transfer request despite reports suggesting he is unsettled.

Speaking on the speculation with Bayern, Howe had commented yesterday: "I think that comes with the territory. I think your best players will be the ones who are linked with high profile moves.

"It is certainly not helpful to us, it is not something we encourage or we want. We want players who are 100% focused, with no outside noise. Outside noise can affect players in different ways."

"Those players that you mentioned are all super professional, they are great players in their own way, in their own right. We need them to make the difference on the pitch and I would say the same to all the players.

Anthony Gordon has been linked with a summer move to Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

"It is reputations and how people assess you is one thing but what you deliver on the pitch is another. We need our best players playing at their best level and that is what we need from all players stepping on to the pitch."

Gordon has been linked with Liverpool in the past, most notably two years ago as Newcastle battled FFP issues.

According to The Telegraph, Gordon would “jump” at the chance to join Liverpool, with the England international having been “desperate” to make the move back in 2024.

Liverpool was said to be open to a deal but Newcastle changed its approach and tried to include Jarell Quansah in the transfer, with the Reds ultimately pulling the plug.