The official reason why Sandro Tonali drops out of Newcastle United's starting XI vs Nottingham Forest

Sandro Tonali has been named on the bench for Newcastle United’s Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest (kick-off 2pm).

The Italian has established himself as an integral part of the team since returning from his 10-month betting ban at Forest in the Carabao Cup in late August.

Tonali has started every Premier League game since the beginning of December but that run has come to an end this afternoon. As per Newcastle’s club website, “Tonali hasn't trained all week due to injury”.

Tonali is among three changes named by Howe from last Saturday’s 4-0 defeat at Manchester City. Lewis Miley comes into the midfield alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Joe Willock.

At the back, Nick Pope reclaims his spot in goal from Martin Dubravka, while Tino Livramento is preferred ahead of Kieran Trippier at right-back.

A big game for Newcastle United

The significance of this afternoon’s clash against Forest isn’t lost on head coach Eddie Howe.

Three defeats from four league games - two of which have come at St James’ Park against AFC Bournemouth and Fulham - has seen the Magpies slip to seventh in the table.

After losing at fourth-place Manchester City last weekend, United now host third-place Forest, where a defeat would inflict a huge blow in their hopes of finishing inside the top four.

As it stands, six points separate the two teams in the table. Cutting that gap to three would put Howe’s side firmly back in contention, whereas a loss would give them a mountain to climb in the remaining 12 matches.

Asked by NewcastleWorld if the match had a big game feel to it, Howe told NewcastleWorld: "Well, if it doesn't, there's something wrong. It's a massive game for us.

“Teams above us in the league. We're chasing Nottingham Forest down. They've had a brilliant season. So, if we don't look at it that way, there's a problem. We can't underestimate the challenge. This is a huge game."