Sandro Tonali could be available for Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby in the Premier League between Newcastle United and Sunderland.
Tonali was initially ruled as a doubt for Newcastle United versus Sunderland, having come off against Barcelona with what appeared to be a groin injury.
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However, the midfielder could be available for the Tyne-Wear derby as Newcastle United plot revenge on their greatest rivals in the last Premier League weekend before the international break.
Here’s a look at our predicted XI, confirmed team news and injury latest ahead of Newcastle United vs Sunderland.
Newcastle United predicted XI vs Sunderland
While it might seem strange to not make too many changes to the team who were thrashed by Barcelona in the second half on Wednesday night, Eddie Howe doesn’t really have that many options.
The only changes should be Tino Livramento replacing Kieran Trippier and Sven Botman replacing Malick Thiaw. That might be harsh on the German – who has been forced to play more minutes than anyone else in Europe – but he is desperately out of form right now.
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Newcastle United predicted XI vs Sunderland: Ramsdale; Livramento, Botman, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Ramsey, Joelinton; Elanga, Gordon, Barnes
Newcastle United confirmed team news vs Sunderland
Howe has confirmed that Tonali’s injury does not look as bad as was initially feared when he came off against Barca.
“We’ll wait and see,” he said.
“Hopefully it is not as bad as I first feared when I saw him limping off the pitch. We will see how he is today [Friday] and make a decision closer to the game.”
Aside from that, not too much has changed in recent weeks. Howe remains without key players, though many of them could return after the international break later this month.
Newcastle United injuries vs Sunderland
While it’s frustrating not to have them available for Sunday’s huge game, Howe is hopeful that all of Bruno Guimaraes, Lewis Miley and Fabian Schar will be available after the international break.
“[Miley] will be after the internationals, hopefully after the break.
“Fingers crossed it will be the same with Bruno [Guimaraes] and also for Fab [Schar].”
Emil Krafth, however, is not likely to play at all this season after suffering a knee injury while on international duty with Sweden earlier this year.
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