Eddie Howe has been speaking to the press in the last few moments, completing media duties at St James’ Park ahead of tomorrow night’s Champions League clash with Benfica.
The first question came on Sandro Tonali’s fitness, following news earlier today that he has a bug that forced him to sit out of today’s training session on Tyneside.
On Tonali, Howe confirmed that the Italian is managing a “bit of illness” and will be “touch and go” for tomorrow’s game, confirming that he wasn’t well enough to train this morning.
Asked about the midfielder, Howe said: “Bit of illness with Sandro. He’ll be touch and go for tomorrow. We’ll give him every opportunity.
“He wasn’t there at training today and he’s such an important player, so we’ll use all the hours we have.”
Elsewhere, it’s no surprise that Lewis Hall, Tino Livramento and Yoane Wissa all remain out, with the injured trio expected back next month.
Joelinton trained today and will be hoping to keep his place, but Howe faces some big calls in midfield with Jacob Ramsey fit again and Lewis Miley impressing from the bench on Saturday.
Discussing our last home game in the Champions League, Howe added: “The Barcelona game was so close for us.
“It could’ve been a very different outcome. We have been in that situation a few times. We have been very competitive.
“The atmosphere under the lights will be tremendous and it is up to us to match that atmosphere. If we are at our very best, we have a good chance.”
On Jose Mourinho and the test his Benfica side will pose, he said: “I would say the characteristics he has a manager, his teams are very hard to beat.
“He has a way of inspiring his teams to be very good off the ball. Against Chelsea, they were very close to getting a good result and that was a very tight game.
“We know what to expect and it is up to us to influence our players and deliver our game plan.”