Eddie Howe flags Sandro Tonali groin doubt as Newcastle face derby setback | OneFootball

According to Sunderland Echo, Newcastle United face a fresh setback before Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby, with Sandro Tonali a doubt after the 7-2 defeat at Barcelona.

The Italian was forced off after starting alongside Jacob Ramsey and Joelinton at the Camp Nou. Newcastle twice levelled through an Anthony Elanga brace after falling behind, but Barcelona pulled away before the break and controlled the second half to hand them their heaviest European defeat.

Eddie Howe considered Tonali a doubt with a groin problem for St James’s Park on Sunday. He felt the midfielder impressed before the interval and was badly missed thereafter.

Tonali’s absence would compound existing injuries. Bruno Guimaraes, Lewis Miley, Fabian Schar and Emil Krafth are already unavailable, leaving midfield resources stretched.

Newcastle now return to league action in ninth, seven points off the Champions League places with eight games remaining, after being knocked out of all three cup competitions. Howe criticised the defending, highlighting slips on the opener, a set-play concession and a penalty. He noted energy levels dipped after the break and that dropping deeper did not help.

Source: Sunderland Echo