Eddie Howe issues update on fitness of Newcastle United key man as trio ruled out of Sunderland clash | OneFootball

According to Sunderland Echo, Eddie Howe has yet to decide whether Sandro Tonali will face Sunderland on Sunday, while Lewis Miley, Bruno Guimaraes and Fabian Schar are out until after the international break.

Tonali has been influential since a reported £55m switch from AC Milan in summer 2023. He shone in the 1-1 first leg against Barcelona, then appeared to suffer a groin and hip issue in the 7-2 defeat at Camp Nou.

After a scan back in the North East, Howe said the problem may not be as bad as first feared. Newcastle will assess the midfielder today before making a decision closer to the game.

Howe indicated Miley should return after the internationals, and he is hopeful the same timeline applies to Guimaraes and Schar.

Sunderland head to Tyneside seeking a league double, having won in December when Nick Woltemade’s own goal settled the Stadium of Light meeting. Howe wants his players to use the emotions from that defeat and channel them into a stronger display.

He added the potential positives for supporters and the city could be significant, so preparation and recovery, physically and mentally, remain the focus. He said his players will be ready, with eight massive games to go.

Source: Sunderland Echo