Will won't be back soon as United injury toll mounts

NEWCASTLE United forward William Osula is facing “weeks” on the sidelines after an injury revelation from the Magpies’ training HQ - while it was all but confirmed that Anthony Gordon will miss tomorrow's trip to Brentford.

- By LEE RYDER Chief Newcastle writer [e-mail] @lee_ryder

The Danish Under-21 international has been struggling with an ankle injury, but Toon medics have blown the whistle on Osula risking further injury.

With United also without Gordon tomorrow and with Yoane Wissa still not close to a return, Howe may have to wrap Nick Woltemade in cotton wool against the Bees.

Howe said yesterday: “It is something he has been feeling for a little bit, but it has been functional and able to play. But he has had a scan, and it told us to pull back a bit. It's not serious but could be out for a few weeks.”

Gordon went off five minutes before the break against Bilbao with many fearing a recurrence of the hip injury suffered for England back in March at Wembley against Albania.