Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has stated that he is not sure if Anthony Gordon will be available to face Manchester United on Sunday.
Gordon, who joined the Magpies from Everton in January, has missed the club's last two matches due to an ankle injury.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Howe believes that the international break has allowed Gordon to step up his recovery.
Howe told reporters: "The break came at a good time for Anthony Gordon to improve on his injury and try to get him closer to returning. I think he used the time wisely."
The Newcastle head coach was then asked whether he thinks that Gordon will be available for Sunday's meeting with Man United.
"I don't know the answer to that currently," Howe replied. "He took part in a very small part in the training on Wednesday. So we will see how he responds to that today."
Miguel Almiron also remains sidelined for the Magpies, and Howe is expecting the Paraguay international to be unavailable for another four weeks.
"I'd love him to beat the timescale given, but I don't see it currently," Howe said. "He's making good progress and he's pain free so I don't think there's any long term issues but it's just the time it takes for the muscle to heal.
"I think we're four weeks off, maybe slightly less, but he's making really good progress."
Nick Pope and Sven Botman were forced to withdraw from international duty due to injury and illness respectively, but Howe is hopeful that the pair can feature this weekend.
"Nick felt a problem in his thigh after the Wolves games. He didn't train in preparation for the Nottingham Forest game but completed the game with some discomfort. He didn't train in Dubai but has trained this week, so the signs are good," Howe added.
"Sven, I think, suffered food poisoning - quite a nasty bout of illness. I don't think he was alone in the Holland camp, there were a few players suffering the same thing.
"He left the camp early to try and get himself back up to speed. He has trained with us since he's returned, so he should be fine."
Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson are also expected to be involved in the matchday squad after shaking off their issues.
Newcastle currently occupy fifth position in the Premier League table, but they will move above third-placed Man United on goal difference if they can claim all three points on Sunday. body check tags ::
