Eddie Howe gives Newcastle fitness update for Sunderland derby, double boost and Miley setback | OneFootball

Eddie Howe confirmed Sandro Tonali and Joe Willock are likely to be fully fit for Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby at St James’ Park, although Lewis Miley is out. According to Sunderland Echo, he set out the latest at his pre-match press conference.

Miley is recovering from muscle damage caused by a dead leg and has been sidelined since late January. He had targeted the Champions League last 16 second leg against Barcelona on Wednesday, but he did not travel and will not be ready for Sunderland.

Howe said Miley trained at home and is probably looking at the other side of the international break, acknowledging the lay-off is taking longer than hoped.

Tonali and Willock have travelled and could be involved at Spotify Camp Nou on Wednesday. Willock, who was forced off in the second half of the 1-0 win over Chelsea on Saturday with a knock, will be assessed in training.

Howe said Tonali would be checked in training and that a decision would follow if he feels strong enough. He added that Willock would also be evaluated and, fingers crossed, would be fine.

Ahead of these two key fixtures, Howe said Newcastle are as confident as at any point this season and that he is the happiest he has been. He hopes his team are peaking at the right time.

Source: Sunderland Echo