Newcastle United team news v Sunderland: Eddie Howe has issued an injury update heading into Sunday’s match.
The Italian midfielder has had a scan which confirmed an injury after he was forced off with a groin problem during Newcastle’s 7-2 Champions League defeat against Barcelona.
But Howe has suggested there is some hope Tonali would be available for Sunday’s match.
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.
Eddie Howe issues Sandro Tonali update as key trio remain out
“We'll wait and see,” Howe said. “Hopefully not as bad as maybe we first feared when I saw him limping off the pitch. See how he is today and then make a decision closer to the game.”
Tonali’s availability or not becomes more important with Bruno Guimaraes and Lewis Miley ruled out of the Sunderland match. It leaves just Joe Willock, Joelinton and Jacob Ramsey as the three recognised senior midfielders in the squad.
“It'll be after the internationals for Lewy,” Howe confirmed. “We anticipate he will be back, hopefully, after the break. Fingers crossed, the same for Bruno and also for Fabian [Schar].”
Eddie Howe on Sunderland
Newcastle lost the reverse fixture 1-0 at the Stadium of Light back in December through a Nick Woltemade own goal.
The Magpies also head into the game on the back of a bruising 7-2 Champions League exit at the hands of Barcelona on Wednesday night.
“We've got a bit of work to do, I think, psychologically with the players, off the back of what was a really strange game to digest and review,” Howe added. “I think the players will hopefully have learnt from a lot of similar games this season, in the respect that we've had an incredible group of games where we've had to leave one game very quickly and focus on the next.
“That's sort of a skill, I think, to be able to do that, to park it and move on to the next one. We're going to have to do that really quickly for this one and effectively because the game will be on us before we know it.
“It's a 12 o'clock kick-off, a very quick turnaround. So, a bit of work to do today and tomorrow with the players, but I think by kick-off we'll be fine.”
Continue Reading