Eddie Howe reveals Sandro Tonali groin doubt before Sunderland derby after 7-2 Barcelona defeat | OneFootball

Newcastle United face a fresh setback before Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby, with Eddie Howe saying Sandro Tonali is a doubt after the 7-2 loss at Barcelona.

The Italian was forced off at the Camp Nou after starting alongside Jacob Ramsey and Joelinton. According to Sunderland Echo, Newcastle twice responded through an Anthony Elanga brace after falling behind early, but Barcelona pulled away before the break and dominated the second half to inflict the club’s heaviest European defeat.

Howe said Tonali’s issue looks like a groin problem. He felt the midfielder had performed very well before half-time and that his absence was keenly felt after the interval.

The head coach was critical of Newcastle’s defending, pointing to a slip for the opener, a set-play concession and a penalty. He added that energy levels dropped in the second half and that moving deeper and more compact did not help once the game was effectively over.

Tonali’s potential absence would be a significant blow for a stretched squad. Bruno Guimaraes, Lewis Miley, Fabian Schar and Emil Krafth are already out, leaving midfield resources thin.

Newcastle return to Premier League duty ninth in the table, seven points off the Champions League spots with eight matches remaining, and out of all three cups.

Source: Sunderland Echo