Eddie Howe raises Sandro Tonali doubt after 7-2 Barcelona loss before Sunderland derby | OneFootball

Newcastle United face a fresh setback before Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby, with Sandro Tonali emerging as a doubt. According to Sunderland Echo, he appears to have a groin problem. The midfielder was forced off during the 7-2 defeat at the Camp Nou.

Newcastle competed well early, falling behind but twice replying through an Anthony Elanga brace. Barcelona then surged clear before the interval and controlled the second half to inflict their heaviest European defeat.

Tonali started in midfield alongside Jacob Ramsey and Joelinton, impressed in the first half, then did not reappear after the break. Eddie Howe said the issue could keep him out and felt his side missed Tonali’s influence in the second period.

The potential absence would further thin a squad already missing Bruno Guimaraes, Lewis Miley, Fabian Schar and Emil Krafth, particularly in midfield. Howe’s options are increasingly stretched.

Newcastle return to Premier League action in ninth, seven points off the Champions League places with eight matches remaining after exiting all three cups. Howe criticised the defending compared with the recent display at Chelsea, highlighting slips, a set-piece concession and a penalty. He added that they might have led at half-time with better defending, while a drop in energy after the interval and sitting deeper did not improve matters.

Source: Sunderland Echo