Sandro Tonali hope v Sunderland as Newcastle United trio ruled out for another three weeks
Sandro Tonali could make the Sunderland game - but three Newcastle United players are ruled out.
Newcastle United will make a late decision on Sandro Tonali for Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby against Sunderland.
The Italian was forced off during the Magpies’ 7-2 Champions League last-16 second leg defeat in Barcelona on Wednesday night due to a groin issue.
After the game, Eddie Howe cast doubt over Tonali’s availability for the weekend.
Newcastle United issue official Sandro Tonali injury update
Howe said: “Yeah, I'd say he's a doubt. It looks like he's got a groin problem. I thought he performed really well in the first half but he really missed him in that second half.”
But speaking ahead of the Sunderland game, Howe offered that he would indeed be available.
“Yeah, we'll wait and see,” Howe said. “Hopefully not as bad as maybe we first feared when I saw him limping off the pitch.
“[We’ll] see how he is today and then make a decision closer to the game.”
The 25-year-old has been called up by Italy for their World Cup play-off semi-final match against Northern Ireland on March 26 and perhaps tellingly hasn’t withdrawn from the squad.
A few days later, the winners of Italy or Northern Ireland face the winners of Wales v Bosnia & Herzegovina for a place at the 2026 World Cup in North America.
Newcastle United trio ruled out until after international break
Howe has confirmed he’ll be without Bruno Guimaraes, Lewis Miley and Fabian Schar against Sunderland as they recover from their respective injuries.
Guimaraes has been sidelined since February with a hamstring issue while Miley (muscle damage) and Schar (ankle) haven’t featured since January. It is hoped the trio will be back for the first game after the international break, which is away to Crystal Palace on April 11.
Howe said: “It will be after the internationals for Lewis. We anticipate he will be back hopefully after the break and fingers crossed the same for Bruno and also for Fabian.”