Eddie Howe: Sandro Tonali is touch & go for Newcastle clash with Benfica | OneFootball

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has revealed that influential midfielder Sandro Tonali could miss the Champions League clash at St James’ Park later today.

He was in the starting XI for the weekend’s loss but picked up a bug. Newcastle do not know if they can count on Tonali as he has not trained.

Howe said (via Newcastle’s official website): “A bit of illness for Sandro, so he will be touch and go for the game.

“We’ll give him every opportunity. He wasn’t there for training today. He’s such an important player, so we’ll use all the hours we have.”

Howe will have wanted Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton to overwhelm Enzo Barrenechea and Richard Rios in Jose Mourinho’s double pivot, but he must adapt.

Tonali’s situation opens the door for one of Jacob Ramsey, Joe Willock or Lewis Miley to start against Benfica.

Willock and Ramsey are attacking midfielders. Guimaraes would have to play in the number six role if they start.

Miley would be the most similar profile to Tonali. He can handle the responsibility of sitting deep, orchestrating the build-up and breaking up plays.

Tonali’s situation once again underlines Newcastle’s lack of depth in defensive midfield.

When the Italian is unavailable, Howe is forced to shuffle players out of position, often weakening the team’s structure.

Without a natural holding midfielder, Newcastle lose balance and protection in transition.

For incoming sporting director Ross Wilson, recruiting a specialist number six must top the agenda.

A physically dominant, tactically intelligent anchor would unlock the full potential of Newcastle’s midfield and give Howe the squad depth he needs.