Newcastle United v Sunderland team news: Sandro Tonali has arrived at St James’ Park ahead of Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby.
Newcastle United host Sunderland in the Tyne-Wear derby at St James’ Park this afternoon (12pm kick-off).
The Magpies will be looking to bounce back from a Champions League exit and claim a third Premier League win in a row.
Newcastle lost the reverse fixture 1-0 at the Stadium of Light back in December and haven’t beaten Sunderland in the Premier League since 2012. Eddie Howe’s side did win 3-0 in the FA Cup back in 2024.
Heading into the game, Newcastle were sweating on the fitness of Sandro Tonali after he was forced off with a groin issue against Barcelona.
On Friday, 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.”
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Sandro Tonali arrives at St James’ Park
Tonali has arrived at St James’ Park ahead of the derby match but crucially wasn’t in his Newcastle kit like the rest of his teammates, strongly suggesting he is not involved.
It leaves Newcastle short of options in midfield, with Bruno Guimaraes and Lewis Miley also ruled out.
Jacob Ramsey, Joelinton and Joe Willock are the only recognised senior midfielders in the squad though Nick Woltemade has also being considered as an option.
Newcastle United 20-man leaked squad to face Sunderland
Newcastle will be unchanged from the side that beat Chelsea 1-0 at Stamford Bridge last time out in the Premier League, which Tonali also missed due to illness.
Goalkeepers: Nick Pope, Aaron Ramsdale
Defenders: Kieran Trippier, Lewis Hall, Sven Botman, Malick Thiaw, Tino Livramento, Dan Burn, Alex Murphy
Midfielders: Joelinton, Harvey Barnes, Anthony Elanga, Jacob Murphy, Joe Willock, Jacob Ramsey
Forwards: Yoane Wissa, Anthony Gordon, William Osula, Nick Woltemade, Sean Neave
Newcastle’s team news will be confirmed at 10:45am.
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