Newcastle United dealt injury blow as starting XI v Sunderland released
Sandro Tonali absent as Newcastle United starting XI v Sunderland confirmed.
Newcastle United are without Sandro Tonali for this afternoon’s Tyne-Wear derby at home to 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.
Providing an update on Tonali on Friday, Howe said: “We'll wait and see. Hopefully not as bad as maybe we first feared when I saw him limping off the pitch. See how he is today and then make a decision closer to the game.”
Sandro Tonali ruled out v Sunderland
Tonali was spotted arriving at St James’ Park ahead of kick-off but crucially wasn’t wearing his Newcastle training like the rest of his teammates.
The team news has been released and Tonali’s absence has been confirmed.
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called up by Italy for their World Cup play-off semi-final match against Northern Ireland on March 26 and hasn’t yet withdrawn from the squad.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.
Two changes - Newcastle United starting XI v Sunderland
Nick Woltemade has been recalled to the midfield as Eddie Howe has made two changes from the midweek defeat in Barcelona. The other change sees Sven Botman come in for Malick Thiaw at centre-half.
Newcastle United: Aaron Ramsdale, Kieran Trippier (c), Lewis Hall, Sven Botman, Joelinton, Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes, Anthony Elanga, Nick Woltemade, Dan Burn, Jacob Ramsey
Substitutes: Nick Pope, Yoane Wissa, Malick Thiaw, William Osula, Tino Livramento, Jacob Murphy, Joe Willock, Alex Murphy, Sean Neave.