Eddie Howe offers derby boost as Tonali and Willock likely, Miley out | OneFootball

Eddie Howe says Sandro Tonali and Joe Willock are likely to be fully fit for Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby at St James’ Park, but Lewis Miley will miss out as he continues his recovery.

According to Sunderland Echo, Miley suffered a dead leg that caused some muscle damage and has been out since late January. He had targeted Wednesday night’s Champions League last sixteen second leg against Barcelona for his return, but Howe said he had not travelled and would not be ready for Sunday.

Both Tonali and Willock have travelled and could be involved at Spotify Camp Nou tomorrow. Willock left the second half of the 1-0 win over Chelsea on Saturday with a knock.

Howe said Tonali would be assessed in training today, with a decision to follow on his involvement tomorrow. He added that Willock would also be checked and, with hope, should be fine.

Miley trained at home today and, in Howe’s view, is more likely to return after the international break as his recovery is taking longer than hoped.

Looking ahead to Barcelona and the derby, Howe said Newcastle are as confident as they have been all season and that he is the happiest he has felt, while hoping the team are peaking at the right time.

Source: Sunderland Echo