Gordon out for Arsenal with hip injury amid sales talk

TL;DR

Gordon Hip Injury: Anthony Gordon set to miss Newcastle's Arsenal match after scan confirmed hip problem from Crystal Palace defeat on April 12.[[1]](https://www.dailymail.com/sport/football/article-15755309/newcastle-anthony-gordon-injury-arsenal-eddie-howe.html)
Trafford Transfer Push: Newcastle revive interest in Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford for third straight summer at £35-40m.[[1]](https://www.dailymail.com/sport/football/article-15755309/newcastle-anthony-gordon-injury-arsenal-eddie-howe.html)
Club Sales Need: Financial rules force Newcastle to sell stars like Gordon to fund summer signings amid likely Champions League miss.[[1]](https://www.dailymail.com/sport/football/article-15755309/newcastle-anthony-gordon-injury-arsenal-eddie-howe.html)

The story at a glance

Newcastle Confidential column by Craig Hope reveals winger Anthony Gordon's hip injury will likely sideline him for Saturday's Arsenal clash, amid transfer talk. Manager Eddie Howe features in updates on goalkeepers like James Trafford pursuit and John Ruddy's exit, plus pre-season at La Manga Club. This comes as Newcastle sit 13 points off Champions League spots with five games left, prompting sales for financial compliance.

Key points

Gordon felt hip issue during 2-1 loss at Crystal Palace on April 12, missed training and Bournemouth defeat, no firm return date but expected back this season.
Despite online theories linking absence to future speculation, multiple sources confirm genuine injury; Bayern Munich among suitors if no Champions League.
Newcastle CEO David Hopkinson said club must sell stars for summer funds; Gordon among likeliest with four years left on contract.
Renewed push for James Trafford after two failed bids, now on shortlist with Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen, RC Lens’ Robin Risser, Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel.
Veteran John Ruddy to leave on contract expiry, popular for off-pitch advice despite no appearances; Mark Gillespie may stay as training keeper.
Nick Pope pushes for recall over loanee Aaron Ramsdale; Yoane Wissa scored in closed-doors game but needs to prove fitness.
Pre-season at Spain’s La Manga Club with friendly likely; Saudi PIF summit at Matfen Hall to discuss stadium and training ground projects.

Details and context

The column dismisses conspiracies around Gordon's absence, stressing scan evidence and his determination to return soon. Newcastle's position—13 points from top four—forces player sales under profit and sustainability rules, with Gordon valuable due to contract length.

Goalkeeper overhaul looms: Trafford's past deals collapsed at £18m in 2024 and £27m last year due to City clause and Burnley issues; his wage demands and competition complicate third attempt. Ruddy's influence shows beyond pitch, while Pope's shot-stopping fits defensive woes.

Pre-season shift to Europe prioritizes football over commercial US tours, using La Manga's facilities previously by Howe at Bournemouth. PIF meeting eyes £200m Woolsington training ground announcement.

Key quotes

"Anthony Gordon is set to MISS Newcastle’s trip to Arsenal on Saturday, Newcastle Confidential can reveal." – Craig Hope, on Gordon's status.[[1]](https://www.dailymail.com/sport/football/article-15755309/newcastle-anthony-gordon-injury-arsenal-eddie-howe.html)

Why it matters

Newcastle face mounting injury and transfer pressures that threaten end-of-season momentum and squad rebuild. Players like Gordon and goalkeepers directly impact competitiveness, especially without Champions League revenue. Watch Arsenal game for Gordon fitness test, Trafford talks, and PIF summit outcomes on infrastructure.

What changed

John Ruddy agreed to depart on summer contract expiry, ending two-year stint as popular backup despite no competitive games. Mark Gillespie could extend as training keeper into coaching. This follows failed Trafford pursuits in 2024 and 2025.

FAQ

Q: What caused Anthony Gordon's hip injury?

A: Gordon felt the problem during Newcastle's 2-1 defeat at Crystal Palace on April 12. A scan confirmed it was not too serious, but discomfort lingered, keeping him out of training and the Bournemouth game. He is determined to return soon, though no definite date exists.[[1]](https://www.dailymail.com/sport/football/article-15755309/newcastle-anthony-gordon-injury-arsenal-eddie-howe.html)

Q: Why might Newcastle sell Anthony Gordon?

A: CEO David Hopkinson stated financial rules require selling star players to fund summer signings. Newcastle are 13 points off Champions League with five games left, likely missing out and intensifying interest from clubs like Bayern Munich.[[1]](https://www.dailymail.com/sport/football/article-15755309/newcastle-anthony-gordon-injury-arsenal-eddie-howe.html)

Q: What is Newcastle's plan for goalkeepers this summer?

A: They target Manchester City's James Trafford for third time at £35-40m, plus options like Bart Verbruggen, Robin Risser, Gregor Kobel. John Ruddy leaves, Nick Pope pushes for recall, and Mark Gillespie may stay in training role.[[1]](https://www.dailymail.com/sport/football/article-15755309/newcastle-anthony-gordon-injury-arsenal-eddie-howe.html)

Q: Where will Newcastle hold pre-season?

A: At La Manga Club in Murcia, Spain, with eight grass pitches, stadium, and facilities. They chose Europe over US for football focus, planning a friendly possibly against Valencia.[[1]](https://www.dailymail.com/sport/football/article-15755309/newcastle-anthony-gordon-injury-arsenal-eddie-howe.html)