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Newcastle United and their hopes of ending a 60-year trophy drought have been dealt another blow.

Anthony Gordon will miss the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool on March 16, while fitness concerns continue to surround striker Alexander Isak.

The Magpies will face defending champions Liverpool at Wembley, depleted as they prepare for their most important match in decades.

Newcastle has decided against appealing Anthony Gordon’s red card, which was received during Sunday’s FA Cup defeat to Brighton, effectively ruling the England international out of the showcase Wembley final.

Gordon was dismissed for violent conduct seven minutes from the end of normal time after shoving Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke in the head during a tussle for the ball.

Eddie Howe initially suggested that Newcastle consider challenging the decision.

However, after further review and consulting with disciplinary experts, the club has reluctantly accepted the three-match suspension, which includes the cup final against Liverpool.

Further compounding Newcastle’s problems is the uncertain fitness status of star striker Alexander Isak.

The Swedish international has been managing injury concerns in recent weeks, having missed Newcastle’s 2-0 defeat to Liverpool in the Premier League on February 26 with a groin problem.

While Isak returned to score the opening goal via penalty in Newcastle’s FA Cup tie against Brighton, he was forced to leave the field during the match due to what Howe described as “general tightness”

While Newcastle grapple with their selection issues, Liverpool’s attention remains divided across multiple competitions as they pursue a potential treble.

Before the Carabao Cup final, Arne Slot’s side must navigate a challenging Champions League last-16 tie against Paris Saint-Germain as well as a Premier League clash with Southampton.

But it seems that Eddie Howe’s job has just gotten harder, with the club now officially confirming that first-choice left back Lewis Hall will be out of the Carabao Cup final.

Taking to X, Newcastle United communicated:

“Lewis Hall will miss the rest of the 2024/25 season after sustaining an injury to a bone in his foot.”

“Following a scan and advice from a specialist, Lewis will undergo surgery before a period of rehabilitation with the club’s medical team.”

“Wishing you all the very best for your surgery and recovery, Lewis.”

For Newcastle, the match represents another chance to end their trophy drought after falling short against Manchester United in the 2023 final?

The Magpies’ last major domestic trophy came in 1955, and despite the significant investment from their Saudi-backed ownership, silverware has remained elusive.

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