Eddie Howe could be boosted by the return of Sandro Tonali for the weekend's game with the Wearsiders
Bruno Guimaraes (l) and Sandro Tonali react during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Newcastle United FC and Athletic Club at St James' Park on November 05, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
Sandro Tonali (right) picked up an injury against Barcelona on Wednesday night(Image: Stu Forster/Getty Images)
View Image
Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali has a shout of featuring in the Tyne-Wear derby this weekend.
The Italian international limped off at the Nou Camp with a groin injury, with Howe admitting in the aftermath that it "could be a problem". But after undergoing a scan, the injury is not as bad as first feared, meaning Tonali could have a presence in the biggest home game of the season.
Howe, speaking at his pre-game Press conference ahead of the battle with the Wearsiders, said: "We will wait and see. Hopefully not as bad as first feared. We will see how he is and make a decision."
However, the game will come too early for Bruno Guimaraes, who will not be risked despite being back in the building after a month's lay-off due to a hamstring injury suffered at Tottenham Hotspur.
Newcastle won't have Lewis Miley (thigh) or Fabian Schar (ankle) back for the high noon showdown.
Miley has now failed to feature since January away to Paris St-Germain while Fabian Schar has missed the majority of 2026.
Howe said: "It will be after the internationals for Lewis Miley, same for Bruno and also Fabian."
Howe also offered an update on Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade who were unused subs against Barca. Howe said: "Every player wants to play the biggest games.
"Nick has had a lot of football this year and I thought he played really well at Chelsea.
"Yoane has had a big injury and we haven't seen the best of him yet. Hopefully that will come.
"They both have good parts to play in the close of play. We will be going week to week so we will be training for the first time in a long time and that is a positive for us."
Content Image
Content Image
Here at ChronicleLive, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Newcastle United coverage and analysis.
Make sure you don't miss out on the latest NUFC news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.
You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories.
And, finally, if you would rather listen to our expert analysis then make sure to check out our Everything is Black and White podcast. Our shows are available on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and you can also watch along on YouTube.