Eddie Howe provides an update on Anthony Gordon's injury as the Newcastle winger misses the game against Chelsea and Harvey Barnes starts in his place

Eddie Howe has given an update on Anthony Gordon's injury after the winger missed Newcastle's game against Chelsea.

The Magpies were looking to improve their fortunes after a mixed start to the season as it had already been 604 minutes since they had scored at kick-off.

And when the team list was announced, their hopes were dealt a huge blow with Gordon missing from the Newcastle team for the first time this season.

However, he was spotted at Stamford Bridge as he traveled there with his team in the hope of being there.

But he failed to do so and didn't even manage to make the bench in a difficult game in the capital and Eddie Howe explained why before the game.

Eddie Howe has provided an injury update on Anthony Gordon (pictured) after he missed his side's game against Chelsea

Gordon traveled to the game hoping he would play, but was not fit to play

Howe (pictured) revealed that Gordon had felt something in training on Friday and was hoping he would play

“Gordon felt his groin in training on Friday,” Howe told Sky Sports. “He traveled with the hope that he would make the game, but he didn’t.”

“It's a blow, no doubt, but Harvey (Barnes) brings his own qualities and I still like the team we have.”

Howe's side got off to the worst possible start as Nicolas Jackson gave Chelsea the lead thanks to good work from Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto.

Without his captain, Newcastle continued to struggle as Barnes saw little of the ball in the early stages.

It was a far cry from what Howe had asked for before the game.

“We want to score goals and have a good time and play,” he said. “The last game was a big step forward.”

“I think you go through phases like this, but I support our players and a bit of confidence and then we will return to normality.”

Thanks to Alexander Isak, however, the equalizer was achieved.

Harvey Barnes took Godon's place on Newcastle's left wing, replacing his teammate

It was a slow start for Newcastle, who fell behind but equalized in the first half

With a win, Newcastle could have overtaken Chelsea and put their European qualification ambitions back on track after a positive first few games before relegation.

Before the game they had only taken two points from their last four games.

Barnes was their leading scorer before the game with three goals this season, while Gordon has two to his name.