Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has offered some encouraging news on Anthony Gordon after his England injury nightmare.
The Scouser came on as substitute in the World Cup qualifier against Albania in Thomas Tuchel's first game which ended in a 2-0 win at Wembley. The ex-Everton star took a whack early in the match and then was helped down the tunnel on the final whistle by medics.
Gordon is suspended in any case for the Brentford match due to a red card against Brighton & Hove Albion on FA Cup fifth round day. But there is hope he could be back sooner rather than later - potentially for the game against Leicester City next Monday night.
Speaking at his Press conference, the head coach said: "Anthony has a really nasty bruise in and around his thigh and groin area. He is up and running, feeling quite good. He hasn't trained with the group yet, so we anticipate he'll do that within the next few days."
Howe also offered an update on Dutch defender Sven Botman who picked up a knee injury earlier in the year. Botman has since been under the knife but Howe is expecting to see the ex-Ajax player again this season.
Howe said: "Sven's not too bad. He's had a very minor operation just to clean out some floating bone that was in his knee and was causing him a problem.
"The initial diagnosis was between six and eight weeks but I think he's already got through a few of those. Fingers crossed we'll see him in May."
However, Howe was not so sure whether club captain Jamaal Lascelles will play again this season after a longstanding knee injury. Howe said: "I don't know if we will see Jamaal again (this season) and I don't want to set a target or time. He has started very light training with the squad.
"But on the drills that are not competitive he has joined in. He has looked very good, it is small steps for him.
"We are hoping to get him to join in and competing before the end of the season whether that ties in with the team and whether he gets there in time for competitive action we will see. He is a huge leader and very popular within the group.
"He has a big presence and I was delighted he got to lift the cup with the other guys. He deserved that moment for the length of time he has been here and the service he has given."
