Eddie Howe issues Newcastle update, Tonali and Willock boosts, Miley out for Sunderland derby | OneFootball

Eddie Howe says Sandro Tonali and Joe Willock are likely to be fully fit for Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby, but Lewis Miley will miss out.

According to Sunderland Echo, Miley has been out since late January after a dead leg caused some muscle damage. He targeted the Champions League last 16 second leg against Barcelona on Wednesday for his return, but he has not travelled and is now likely to be back after the international break.

Howe said Tuesday would be the first day they had seen Tonali, and he would be assessed in training before a decision for Barcelona at Spotify Camp Nou. Willock has also travelled after going off in the second half of the 1-0 win over Chelsea on Saturday with a knock, and he will be checked, with hope he comes through.

The head coach said this is the most confident he and his squad have felt all season, and that he is the happiest he has been. He hopes Newcastle are peaking at the right time.

Newcastle visit Barcelona on Wednesday, then host Sunderland at St James’ Park on Sunday. Tonali and Willock could feature in midweek, and are viewed as likely to be fully ready for the derby.

Source: Sunderland Echo