Newcastle United earned a hard-fought point in the thrilling draw against Liverpool on Wednesday, but it came at a cost.
Goals from Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon and a late equaliser from Fabian Schar secured a 3-3 draw with the table toppers putting Newcastle close to a European spot.
Despite the goals, Newcastle have been poor in front of goal with just five players finding the net so far this season.
It was a big turnaround from the disappointing collapse against Crystal Palace the week prior where they failed to register a shot on target – only finding the net through a coincidental own goal from Newcastle target Marc Guehi.
While goals have been a problem for Newcastle this season there is another issue creeping up which could have a big impact on Toon boss Eddie Howe’s plans for a busy December schedule.
Curtis Jones of Liverpool and Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Liverpool FC at St ...
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Sandro Tonali nears Newcastle suspension after yellow card against Liverpool
Midfield maestro Sandro Tonali looks to be finding his form again after a spell in and out of the starting XI.
The Italian played 87 minutes of Wednesday’s draw against the league leaders and played a part in the Magpies second goal which put St James’ Park on cloud nine
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However, the 24-year-old was booked in the 58th minute for a foul on England International Curtis Jones picking up a yellow card in the process.
That puts Tonali on four bookings for the season, one away from a suspension. Tonali was previously suspended for 10 months for breaching betting rules – picking up another yellow would be his first suspension since his return from the ban.
The yellow card cut-off comes after 19 Premier League games meaning Tonali has to be on his best behaviour for his next five appearances to avoid missing a game.
Which other Newcastle United players are at risk of suspension?
Disciplinary has already been a problem for Howe’s side this season with Dan Burn missing the 2-0 defeat to West Ham after reaching the limit earlier this season.
As well as Tonali there are several Newcastle players nearing a ban for the next five games who are key assets to Howe.
Schar and Toon midfielder Joelinton are also on four yellow cards, the Swiss defender picked up his fourth in the 1-0 against Arsenal in November while Joelinton received his four cards in the first six games of the season – the 28-year-old has been running the risk of suspension since September.
While not an immediate worry, Lewis Hall currently sits on three bookings for the season – something Howe will need to consider as we enter the busiest time of the season.
Name Appearances Bookings
Dan Burn 13 5
Joelinton 14 4
Fabian Schar 12 4
Sandro Tonali 12 4
Lewis Hall 14 3
Data from WhoScored.com
The Magpies travel to the capital to face Brentford on Saturday, all players should be in contention to start.
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