Newcastle United injury update on THREE stars after scans, just a month before Carabao Cup final against Liverpool

Newcastle have been handed a triple fitness boost with the Carabao Cup final in mind after scans revealed three key players have avoided serious injury.

Mail Sport can exclusively reveal that Anthony Gordon, Dan Burn and Sven Botman are not facing lengthy spells on the sidelines, despite fears emerging last weekend.

Gordon missed the 3-2 FA Cup win at Birmingham with a quad problem and Botman also stayed at home because of a knee issue. Burn was then forced off in the second half with a groin complaint.

Eddie Howe spoke afterwards of his concern with injuries beginning to mount, especially with the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool just over a month away.

However, we understand that Gordon’s thigh problem has cleared and he should be fine to face Manchester City on Saturday. That will be of huge relief to Howe given winger Harvey Barnes is still a fortnight away from a return after injuring his thigh. But it is the news in defence that will perhaps be of greatest comfort to the head coach and supporters.

Newcastle’s decision to allow defender Lloyd Kelly to join Juventus in January was made with the knowledge that Botman and Burn were fit and competing for the left-sided centre-back position. Botman then took a knock to his knee during last week’s Carabao Cup win over Arsenal before Burn succumbed to what looked like a potentially serious groin strain at St Andrew’s.

Anthony Gordon, Dan Burn and Sven Botman are set to return to the squad after minor injuries

The positive news will give a serious boost to Eddie Howe’s squad, who are set to face Liverpool in the Carabao cup final next month

However, the results of scans on both players are thought to be positive, allaying fears that Newcastle could be left short in the lead up to their Wembley date. Their inclusion for the trip to the Etihad remains in doubt, though. Neither player is yet free of pain and a late call will be made on their availability. That has put Emil Krafth on standby for a start at centre-back alongside Fabian Schar.

Meanwhile, Newcastle are closing in on the signing of Malaga winger Antonio Cordero. Mail Sport revealed on Monday that talks had taken place and the Magpies were set to beat Barcelona and Real Madrid to the signing of the 18-year-old, who is a free agent in the summer. We understand the player has indicated he wants to join the club and the expectation is that a deal should be announced in due course.