Eddie Howe reveals Sandro Tonali groin doubt before Tyne-Wear derby | OneFootball

Newcastle United face a fresh setback before Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby at St James’s Park, with Sandro Tonali a doubt after their 7-2 Champions League defeat at Barcelona.

Tonali started in midfield with Jacob Ramsey and Joelinton and impressed before the break, but was replaced at half-time with an injury. Newcastle fell behind early but twice levelled through an Anthony Elanga brace, before Barcelona pulled clear before the interval and dominated the second period to inflict the club’s heaviest European defeat and seal their exit.

According to Sunderland Echo, Eddie Howe said Tonali has a groin problem and is a doubt for Sunday. He felt the midfielder was excellent in the first half and that his absence told after the interval.

Howe also criticised Newcastle’s defending, saying it fell below recent standards at Chelsea, pointing to slips for the opener, a set-piece concession and a penalty. He added the team lacked energy once the game had effectively gone and that dropping deeper did not help.

Any absence for Tonali would be a major blow with Bruno Guimaraes, Lewis Miley, Fabian Schar and Emil Krafth already sidelined, leaving midfield in particular stretched. Newcastle return to league action ninth, seven points off the Champions League places, with eight games left after exits from all three cups.

Source: Sunderland Echo