It was a night of high emotions at St. James' Park as Newcastle United grabbed a massive 2-0 Champions League victory over Athletic Bilbao — but the celebrations came with a heavy side of concern. The win pushed the Magpies into the top eight of the 36-team table on goal difference, but now Eddie Howe faces a familiar nightmare: an injury list that just won’t stop growing.

Wednesday night’s triumph should have been all about Dan Burn thunderously heading home and Joelinton pile-driving a second. Instead, the post-match chatter swiftly pivoted to the sight of Anthony Gordon trudging off just 40 minutes in and William Osula’s late scratch from the bench. As Howe tries to steer Newcastle through both Premier League and Champions League waters, these knocks feel like the universe playing a cruel joke.

Let’s set the scene. Newcastle came into this tie knowing every point matters in the new-look Champions League format. Sitting sixth, they’re in a prime position — inside the automatic last-16 spots purely on goal difference, and a comfortable six points clear of the cut-off for the top 24. With four group-phase games left, they’ve got breathing room, but not enough to coast. The Bilbao result was vital.

⚽ Quick match recap:

• 4' — Gordon’s cross almost finds Isak, but the Swede is crowded out.

• 23' — Burn rises highest from a Trippier corner, 1-0!

• 40' — Gordon subbed off; Jacob Murphy enters. Confusion in the stands.

• 67' — Joelinton muscles through two defenders and fires low into the corner, 2-0.

• Full time — Three points, clean sheet, and a whole lot of physio-room anxiety.

Gordon’s Recurring Hip Nightmare

Anthony Gordon’s withdrawal wasn’t tactical. It was grimly familiar. The winger, who had been electric in patches this season, seemed to clutch at his side before walking straight down the tunnel. Eddie Howe’s post-match words didn’t sugarcoat it: “It seems like a recurrence of his hip injury that has been plaguing him in recent weeks.”

That hip issue first surfaced while Gordon was on England duty back in March. Since then, it’s been a stop-start ordeal. He missed two league games in April, then looked like he’d shaken it off — only for the pain to pop up again on the biggest stage. The sight of him being replaced so early sent a chill through the Toon Army. Gordon’s pace and directness are central to how Newcastle break lines; without him, the attack loses a vital edge.

What’s next for Gordon?

Howe admitted he hadn’t yet spoken to the player or received a full medical rundown, so the exact severity remains unclear. But given it’s a recurrence, the medical team will be hyper-cautious. With a crucial Premier League clash against Brentford looming on Sunday, the winger is a major doubt. Don’t be surprised if Newcastle opt to give him a week or two out to finally let the hip settle — even if that means missing the next European fixture.

Osula’s Ankle — A Frustrating Setback

It wasn’t just Gordon. William Osula was due to be on the bench, offering a physical presence in case Newcastle needed to switch things up. But just before kick-off, the young forward pulled out after feeling ankle pain during the warm-up. Howe later explained: “We’ve just been in discussions with him at length about his ankle in the last few days, as to whether he’s fit enough to actually perform to the level that we need.”

The decision to withdraw him was a joint one — player and staff agreed it wasn’t worth the risk. Osula has been pushing for more minutes, and this setback comes at a cruel time. His ankle problem isn’t new either; it’s been niggling for a few days. The hope is that resting it now means he’ll be back to 100% sooner rather than later.

The Bigger Picture: Squad Depth Under Spotlight

Newcastle’s injury record has been a tale of woe for seasons. While the 2025/26 campaign started with a cleaner bill of health, the list is filling up again. Let’s break down the current concerns:

Having Joelinton come through the full match is a relief; he’s become undroppable in midfield. But Gordon’s absence would shift the creative burden heavily onto Harvey Barnes and Jacob Murphy. Murphy did well after coming on, but he’s not the same livewire. Meanwhile, Callum Wilson’s return from his own injury saga adds some attacking depth, but his minutes still need management.

What This Means for Sunday vs. Brentford

Brentford away is never a walk in the park. The Bees are tough at home, and Newcastle’s slightly blunted weaponry could make the trip even harder. Here’s why the Gordon injury stings:

• He’s the team’s main outlet for counter-attacks.

• His link-up with Isak has produced 8 goal combinations this season.

• Without him, Newcastle’s left side becomes predictable.

Possible solutions? Howe might shift Joelinton to a wider role, or start Barnes on the left and hope he replicates his Wolves heroics. Murphy on the right is solid, but it forces the system to become more crossing-heavy. Alternatively, a tactical tweak to a 3-5-2 could pack the midfield and use Isak and Wilson as a pair — though that’s a drastic mid-season switch.

A Resilient Newcastle — Or Is the Bubble Starting to Strain?

The mood on Tyneside is still sky-high. Fans waking up this morning see their team in the Champions League knockout spots, the owners backing the manager, and a squad full of fighters. But injuries have the potential to unravel the best-laid plans. The coming days will be about scans, ice baths, and anxious waiting.

Howe’s press conferences will be monitored obsessively. The Geordie faithful know that even a short-term Gordon absence could impact the crucial run of games: after Brentford, there’s a home league match against Aston Villa, followed by a Champions League trip to RB Salzburg. It’s the kind of fixture pile-up that demands every single body.

💪 The silver lining: Newcastle’s defense looks rock solid. The back line, marshalled by Burn and Schär, kept Bilbao quiet for 90 minutes. Nick Pope made a couple of smart saves too — matches are being won even when the attack is not clicking perfectly. And let’s not forget the character in that dressing room. When adversity hits, this squad has a habit of banding together.

Final Whistle

Newcastle United won the battle against Athletic Bilbao, but the war with the treatment table wages on. Gordon and Osula are now races against time, and the depth that looked so promising in August is being tested sooner than expected. In classic B-side drama fashion, it’s the small print that often writes the big story. Keep those fingers crossed, Toon Army — your team’s Champions League dream might just need a little extra luck from here on out. ⚫⚪