Eddie Howe reveals Sandro Tonali groin doubt after 7-2 Barcelona loss before Sunderland derby | OneFootball

Newcastle United face a new injury worry before Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby, with Sandro Tonali a doubt after the 7-2 Champions League defeat at the Camp Nou.

According to Sunderland Echo, the Italian was withdrawn at half-time with a groin problem after starting in midfield alongside Jacob Ramsey and Joelinton and impressing early on. Howe suggested the issue could keep him out this weekend.

Newcastle had competed well in the opening period and twice hit back through an Anthony Elanga brace after conceding early. Barcelona then pulled away before the break and controlled the second half, handing Newcastle their heaviest European defeat.

Howe was critical of the defending, highlighting slips before the opener, a set-piece concession and a costly penalty. He felt that with their usual defensive level they might have led at the interval. He added the team lacked energy after the restart and did not respond well once the game was effectively done, while dropping deeper in a compact shape offered little relief.

Tonali’s potential absence would be a significant blow before Sunderland visit St James’s Park in the Premier League on Sunday. Bruno Guimaraes, Lewis Miley, Fabian Schar and Emil Krafth are already out, leaving midfield particularly stretched. Newcastle sit ninth, seven points off the Champions League places with eight games remaining, having exited all three cup competitions.

Source: Sunderland Echo