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Sandro Tonali injury update ahead of Newcastle United’s Tyne-Wear derby against Sunderland.
The Magpies were knocked out of the Champions League at the last 16 stage following an 8-3 aggregate defeat to La Liga giants Barcelona.
Eddie Howe’s side drew the first leg 1-1 at St James’ Park last week before suffering a 7-2 defeat at the Camp Nou on Wednesday night.
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Anthony Elanga twice equalised but Barca went into half-time leading 3-2 after Kieran Trippier conceded a penalty that Lamine Yamal converted. The Spanish side then ran riot in the second half.
Eddie Howe delivers Sandro Tonali injury update
The defeat was compounded by Tonali’s withdrawal just 10 minutes into the second half.
The Italian returned to the starting line-up after missing Saturday’s 1-0 Premier League win at Chelsea through illness to partner Jacob Ramsey and Joelinton in midfield.
Fermin Lopez had not long made it 4-2 to Barcelona when Tonali limped off.
When asked about Tonali’s injury and availability ahead of the Sunderland game, Howe said:“Yeah, I'd say he's a doubt. It looks like he's got a groin problem.
“I thought he performed really well in the first half but he really missed him in that second half.”
Newcastle United light on midfield options ahead of Sunderland clash
Newcastle are already without two key midfielders in Bruno Guimaraes and Lewis Miley, leaving Joe Willock, Joelinton and Ramsey as the only recognised midfielders currently.
Guimaraes travelled to Barcelona to support his teammates but won’t return to action until after the international break. Miley, meanwhile, was left on Tyneside and Howe all-but ruled him out playing against Sunderland.
Speaking ahead of the Barcelona game, Howe said: “Lewis is not with the squad, unfortunately. He's training at home today, so we're probably looking at the other side of the international break for Lewis now. It's just taken a little bit longer than we hoped.”
Howe could again deploy Nick Woltemade in midfield, having played his £64million club-record signing there in recent months.
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