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

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

The Newcastle ace was in the starting XI for the weekend’s loss but picked up a bug that will have the Geordies worried about their engine room heading into the Benfica game.

Newcastle need all hands on deck when they welcome Jose Mourinho’s side to Tyneside.

Unfortunately, the Magpies do not know if they can count on Tonali yet for this battle, as he has not trained.

Howe said (via the NUFC 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 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 more attacking midfielders. If they start, Bruno Guimaraes would have to play in the number six role.

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 finally give Howe the quality depth he needs.