'Reluctant' - Eddie Howe issues Sandro Tonali injury update ahead of Newcastle United vs Liverpool
Sandro Tonali dropped out of Newcastle United’s starting XI for the Premier League win over Nottingham Forest.
Eddie Howe has revealed he reluctantly brought Sandro Tonali off the bench in Newcastle United’s 4-3 win over Nottingham Forest.
The Magpies were cruising at half-time, leading 4-1 after a brace from Alexander Isak and goals from Lewis Miley and Jacob Murphy cancelled out Callum Hudson-Odoi’s sixth-minute opener.
But United let their control slip in the second half, and Nikola Milenkovic’s goal in the 63rd minute made it a tense final half an hour.
In a bid to get a grip on the match, Howe introduced Tonali in the 70th minute in place of Joe Willock.
The Italian was a surprise omission from the starting XI having established himself as an integral part of Howe’s team. However, it was decision that was forced on the United boss with the midfielder feeling his hamstring in training in the build-up to the game.
“He had a hamstring problem in the week,” Howe confirmed. “He missed a couple of days training.
“I didn't really want to risk him today. But with the second half, as it was, we felt we needed his legs in midfield. He said he felt okay to play. It was a sort of reluctant sub for me. But I thought he did well when he came on and touched wood. He's okay.”
Tonali was replaced by Lewis Miley in the starting XI and the 18-year-old impressed on his first Premier League start in 12 months.
Miley drew his side level when he got on the end of Lewis Hall’s cross.
Assessing Miley’s display after the game, Howe said: “He did. I thought he was excellent in that first half. I thought he showed all his qualities, his technical ability, his bravery to get on the ball, his tactical understanding.
“He scored a goal, which is great to see again in that end. The Gallowgate End, great finish. He's got really big character on the pitch. But again, he's another player that probably suffered with the team in the second half. So there'll be a lot to take from that game for Lewy.”