Eddie Howe will be without some vital players for Sunday's Tyne-Wear derby against Sunderland
Lewis Miley of Newcastle United (67) is replaced by Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United (8)
Lewis Miley and Sandro Tonali are set to miss the Tyne-Wear derby(Image: 2025 Newcastle United)
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It goes without saying that you always want your best players available for the crunch games of the season, but Newcastle United could go into Sunday's Tyne-Wear derby with Sunderland without three key midfielders.
With captain Bruno Guimaraes already sidelined, the Magpies were dealt a major blow when Sandro Tonali had to be taken off in the second half of their Champions League defeat to Barcelona on Wednesday night.
The Italian is a doubt for Sunday's St James' Park showdown, although has not yet been ruled out, but if he does not make the game, it would leave Howe without three in the centre of the pitch, with Lewis Miley also sidelined.
Here's the latest Newcastle United injury situation ahead of the big game, and when they could be back in action.
Sandro Tonali
Injury: Groin/hip
It would be a huge blow if the Italian midfielder is ruled out of Sunday's game, but Eddie Howe admitted he was a doubt after he limped off in the second half at the Nou Camp.
What Howe said: "I would say he was a doubt. He looks like he's got a groin, sort of hip problem. I thought he performed well in the first half, and we missed him in the second period."
Expected return: Crystal Palace (A), April 11
Bruno Guimaraes
Injury: Hamstring
The sight of the Brazilian back in the United camp was a huge boost this week, but the captain is not expected to be back in action until the Premier League fixtures restart in April.
What Howe said: "I know he has been working incredibly hard on his recovery, and I think he will be in a good place. I’d like to think by the time the international break has ended, he will be back ready for us."
Expected return: Crystal Palace (A), April 11
Lewis Miley
Injury: Thigh
Whle the youngster had hoped to be back in action by now, Newcastle have remained cautious over his return from a thigh problem which has lasted longer than first thought. Miley is expected to be available after the inernational break.
What Howe said: "We're probably looking at the other side of the international break for him - it's just taking a bit longer than we had hoped."
Expected return: Crystal Palace (A), April 11
Fabian Schar
Injury: Ankle
The Swiss defender is nearing his return after three months out following an operation on his ankle. He is not expected to be back in full training until later in April but should be able to feature before the season ends.
What Howe said: "I think it's difficult to give a definitive timeline, but around three months out will be the diagnosis we'll work towards. If it's any quicker, then great, but we need to give Fabian time to recover."
Expected return: Late April
Emil Krafth
Injury: Knee
Newcastle will not see the Sweden defender in action this season after he underwent surgery on a knee injury he picked up in November,
What Howe said: "Emil has had an operation on his knee, so in all likelihood, it looks like his season is over, which is a blow for us. He first suffered the problem on International' duty, and we hoped he could come back and be OK. It was clear in training that he wasn't going to get to the level needed, and there needed to be a surgical intervention."
Expected return: Summer
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