Eddie Howe has confirmed that Newcastle United are still to make a decision on Sandro Tonali ahead of their huge Champions League clash against Barcelona.
After a 1-1 draw in the first leg, Barcelona host Newcastle United in a massive round of 16 game at the Camp Nou on Wednesday evening.
While the Catalan giants are no doubt favourites for the contest given they are at home, there are reasons to believe that Newcastle United can progress into the Champions League quarter-finals.
Let’s hear it then 👇
Indeed, their pace on the counter caused Barca issues in the first leg, while their midfield wasn’t as overrun as it was in the league phase meeting between the two sides back in September.
With that in mind, Tonali’s fitness could have a big impact. Having missed the win over Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday due to illness, the Italian may not be fully up to speed even if he does play.
During his pre-match press conference, Howe said on Tuesday: “Today is the first chance we’ll have to see him. It’s an opportunity to train and we’ll make a decision. We hope he feels strong enough.”
Tonali a slight doubt – so who plays instead?
Bruno Guimaraes is injured right now, putting more pressure on Tonali.
While the likes of Jacob Ramsey, Joe Willock and to an extent Nick Woltemade have impressed when called upon, they cannot match what Guimaraes, Tonali and Joelinton can do at their best.
Ramsey impressed in the deeper role against Chelsea, so perhaps he will play there if Tonali cannot make it, with Joelinton and Willock ahead of him.
Given the magnitude of the game, it’s difficult to see Woltemade starting in midfield.
Fresh blow for Newcastle United ahead of Barcelona
During his pre-match press conference, Howe revealed another major blow for the club.
He said: “Lewis isn’t with the squad, unfortunately. He’s trained at home today so we’re probably looking at the other side of the international break for him – it’s just taking a bit longer than we’d hoped.”
Indeed, Howe confirmed that Lewis Miley would not make the game, and that the teenager is out of Sunday’s clash with Sunderland.
That is desperately unfortunate for the team and Miley himself. The teenager was playing the best football of his career prior to his recent muscle injury, and had even been tipped to make a late run for England’s World Cup squad.
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