Newcastle United star Harvey Barnes hopes that Anthony Gordon's need for crutches were simply "precautionary" after he hobbled off in the 4-4 draw against Luton Town.
Barnes was looking forward to starring alongside Gordon for Newcastle and Eddie Howe but his return has coincided with the Scouser's ankle injury. It leaves Gordon doubtful for the next couple of games but Barnes is praying it won't be a long one for the seven-goal forward.
When asked about Gordon's injury woes, Barnes said: "We hope that is precautionary. This season it seems we get one back and another one is out. We just need to keep as many to stay fit as possible."
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Barnes finally made his return after missing 26 games in all competitions for Newcastle in his first season and is keen to make up for lost time. He was advised to take a rest after a return to the training field in December when he felt pain in his foot.
But he was pleased to hear he would not need what would have been a season-ending operation after a niggling toe problem. Barnes said: "It’s tough because you do see multiple people and you’re not always going to get the answer you want to hear. "Then it’s down to the players and staff here to make our own decisions. We made the decision we wanted to do and it’s paid off."
Despite being injured Barnes has had the joy of becoming a dad after the arrival of his baby daughter during his injury lay off. Barnes marked his first goal with a quick dummy celebration when equalising against Luton.
He said: "It was her first game today, so it was nice to get the goal for her. For me, it’s been a crazy period. The injury was such a big disappointment but then I had my daughter. "A lot was going on at once."
