Newcastle United injuries: Eddie Howe has been dealt a fresh injury concern ahead of Sunday’s derby match against Sunderland.
Newcastle were knocked out of the Champions League and now could be without another one of their key players for Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby match against Sunderland at St James’ Park.
The Magpies are already without Bruno Guimaraes, Lewis Miley, Fabian Schar and Emil Krafth for the match. The injuries leave them light in midfield and Tonali’s absence would leave Howe with even fewer options.
Tonali started alongside Jacob Ramsey and Joelinton at Camp Nou as Newcastle put in a strong first half display as they twice bounced back against Barcelona. Anthony Elanga’s brace cancelled out Barca’s opening two goals before the home side went back in front on the stroke of half-time through a Lamine Yamal penalty.
The hosts then ran riot in the second half to inflict Newcastle’s largest ever European defeat.
Newcastle now head into the final two months of the season with only eight Premier League games left to play having been knocked out of all three cup competitions. Howe’s side sit ninth in the table, seven points off the potential Champions League places.
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Eddie Howe delivers Sandro Tonali injury update
When asked about Tonali’s injury and availability for Sunday’s match, Howe told The Gazette: “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 midfield issues
Without Miley, Guimaraes and now potentially Tonali too, Howe has just Joe Willock, Joelinton and Ramsey as his available recognised midfielders heading into Sunday’s match.
Nick Woltemade played in midfield against Chelsea and has been trialled in a deeper role but didn’t get on the pitch at Camp Nou and has divided opinion in the role.
Looking ahead to Sunderland, Howe said: “It's huge. I think it's difficult for me to talk about it. I think we've just got to play. We've got to play like our lives depend on it.
“It's such a big game for the city, for our supporters, for everyone connected to the club. We know that, we knew that before the first game, we know it even more now. So we need to deal with this very quickly and then look to Sunday.”
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