Newcastle United v Sunderland: The Magpies have been handed a welcome boost from their previous derby clash.
Eddie Howe is ready to unleash a ‘massive’ player for Newcastle United in the Tyne-Wear derby against Sunderland amid some injury issues.
Speaking ahead of the game, Howe said: “We'll wait and see. 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 injury comes with captain Bruno Guimaraes and fellow midfielder Lewis Miley already ruled out for the match. Defenders Fabian Schar and Emil Krafth are also out injured.
But one player who is set to be available in Newcastle’s midfield is Joelinton. The Brazilian powerhouse was forced to watch on from the sidelines in the previous derby match at the Stadium of Light in December due to a groin issue.
Joelinton was an unused substitute in the match as a Nick Woltemade own goal secured a 1-0 win for Sunderland.
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Joelinton sat out 1-0 Sunderland defeat in December
Explaining why Joelinton was not used in the derby match, Howe explained at the time: “Joe is currently nursing a groin problem. He's fit to a point.
“You know, I could possibly use him, but it would be sort of in an emergency-type situation. So, the last couple of games, I've sort of ruled that out, unless we absolutely needed maybe to defend a set play with seconds left in the game. But he's training.
“He's just maybe not executing everything that he would do normally, but he is there if we need him.”
Now Joelinton has returned to full fitness and is ready to play his first Premier League derby match against the Black Cats.
The 29-year-old featured in the 3-0 win at the Stadium of Light in the FA Cup back in 2024, playing a key role in Dan Ballard’s own goal before going off injured in the match.
Eddie Howe ready to unleash ‘massive’ NUFC star
After several strong displays since returning from his latest injury, Joelinton will be determined to make his mark on the first Tyne-Wear derby at St James’ Park since 2016.
"Joe is a massive player for us in these big games,” Howe admitted. “Going back to that [Sunderland away] game he was a player we couldn't use and we have had a few instances like that this season where big players have not been able to help us and there is nothing more frustrating for them when you feel you can make the difference.
“When you feel you can bring different qualities that you feel that the team are missing and you are not able to deliver it.
"I know Bruno is feeling that frustration currently. It is the same for Lewy Miley, for Fabian Schar. They are huge players for us that we have really missed.
"But I think if you are then able to deliver a performance for us and you are fit then that should give you extra incentive because Joe, now, is in a really good place and playing well for us.
"He will have all of that stored in him where he could potentially be the difference maker for us and we are looking for all of our players to stand up and be potential match winners for us."
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