Newcastle United injuries: Sandro Tonali became the latest player to miss out for Newcastle United due to illness.
Illness has been running through Newcastle’s camp of late with Jacob Ramsey, Nick Woltemade and Anthony Gordon just three players known to have been suffering from the bug.
Ramsey was forced off at half-time against Everton, Woltemade missed the win over Manchester United and Gordon was named on the bench against Barcelona in the Champions League before Tonali missed the trip to Stamford Bridge entirely.
Next up for Newcastle is a trip to Barcelona in the Champions League second leg at Camp Nou on Wednesday (5:45pm GMT kick-off).
And Newcastle will be hoping to have Tonali back fit and available for the crucial tie as the sides head into the second leg level 1-1 on aggregate.
Eddie Howe explains Sandro Tonali absence at Chelsea
When asked if Tonali would be available against Barcelona, Howe said: “Yeah, we hope so. He was feeling unwell after training [Friday].
“It quickly became apparent that he wouldn't be able to travel. So, fingers crossed it follows a similar pattern with the other illnesses we've had [and] it's quite a quick recovery.
“There's been something going around now for two to three weeks in the squad. Fingers crossed, it's the same.”
The Gazette has launched a WhatsApp NUFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone.Simply click this linkto join our NUFC WhatsApp channel.
Sandro Tonali agent comments fuel transfer speculation
Tonali’s absence against Chelsea came shortly after his agent, Giuseppe Riso, spoke out about his client’s future at Newcastle
After playing down the Arsenal links during the winter transfer window, Riso is now claiming it is ‘very likely’ that the Gunners will make a move in the summer for Tonali.
Speaking to Calcio&Finanza, Riso said: “Newcastle are already a Champions League club, but now it’s said that Tonali is being targeted by top clubs, those aiming to win the Premier League, such as Arsenal or Manchester City.
“Exactly, that was the aim from the moment he went to England - to try and turn him into a star player. I think he’s the Italian player with one of the highest values in the world.”
When asked if he expects a move to Manchester City or Arsenal in the summer, Riso laughed: “I don’t know! But it’s very likely.
“Everyone is waiting for the World Cup; then a thousand scenarios will unfold, but it all kicks off after the World Cup.”
When Riso’s quotes were put to Howe after the win at Chelsea, the Newcastle boss said: “I've not seen those comments so it's difficult for me to comment.”
Newcastle United injury list
Newcastle will be hoping Tonali is fit and available for the Barcelona match on Wednesday. Joe Willock is also a concern after being forced off against Chelsea with a muscle problem.
Lewis Miley is closing in on a return to action after six weeks out with a thigh injury but it is unclear whether he will be back for the trip to Camp Nou.
Bruno Guimaraes will make the trip in a non-playing capacity as he remains unavailable until after the international break with a hamstring injury. Fabian Schar is also out and Emil Krafth has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.
Continue Reading