NEWCASTLE United have received a major boost, with scan results revealing that Anthony Gordon's groin injury isn't serious.

The problem forced Gordon to miss Sunday's Premier League defeat at Chelsea but the forward could return to the side this week, with the Magpies facing a cup re-run against Enzo Maresca's side tomorrow before hosting Arsenal this weekend.

Howe was always hopeful Gordon's injury was only minor and tests have shown that to be the case.

"He has been for a scan," said Newcastle's head coach.

"We're hopeful the injury isn't serious. We didn't think it was. Let's see how he is today.

"It was in training. I think it was Friday. It didn't become obvious to us until Saturday when it was worse than we initially thought.

"But nothing serious. It's one of those things you sometimes get from time to time. He felt it was too much on Sunday."

Howe must now decide whether to bring Gordon back into the side for tomorrow night's Carabao Cup fourth round clash against Chelsea, who knocked Newcastle out of the competition in the last eight last term.

Howe said: "There is (a chance) but we have to make the right decision. We have Arsenal coming up very quickly. It's about making sure we don't do any further damage to him."

Unsurprisingly, Howe confirmed he'll go strong with his team selection against Chelsea, with the League Cup Newcastle's best chance of winning silverware this season.

He said: "It has been an important competition for us since we have been here and that has not changed. We will pick a team to win the game. Chelsea are a difficult opponent, I am sure they will make changes, but with those changes they will still be a very strong team. We are desperate to progress."