Manager Eddie Howe has provided a cautiously optimistic update ahead of his Newcastle United Premier League meeting with Manchester City, revealing that his top midfielder is expected to be available for selection.
While the Magpies continue to battle with injuries across several areas of the squad, Howe indicated that the Sandro Tonali’s recovery has progressed well enough for him to feature this weekend—though other key players remain sidelined.
Newcastle United Premier League meeting with Manchester City arrives at a delicate moment for the host, who have found consistency hard to come by in the opening stretch of the campaign.
After a mixed run of results and a squad frequently disrupted by fitness issues, the club heads into Saturday’s clash hoping that the return of Tonali can bring some stability in midfield at a time when firepower and defensive reliability are in short supply.
Manchester City travel to St James’ Park with a clear incentive. Pep Guardiola’s side are aiming to chip away at Arsenal’s early advantage in the title race, and with the Gunners not in action until Sunday, City have the chance to cut the gap to a single point.
Guardiola’s men sit four points behind the North London club, and any slip by Newcastle would allow City to increase the pressure at the top of the table.
However, this fixture has not always favoured the Cityzens. City have managed only one win in their last three league visits to Tyneside, where a hostile atmosphere and Newcastle’s high-intensity approach often combine to create problems for visiting sides.
Even so, City return to domestic competition in strong form, having suffered just one defeat in their last 14 matches across all tournaments.
Their rhythm, stability, and confidence stand in contrast to the inconsistency that has plagued Newcastle through the opening months.
Howe’s team is still grappling with the absence of several big-name players, including Yoane Wissa.
Initial hope within the club was that he would return before the international break, but his comeback has now been pushed back further as medical staff prioritise a careful approach to his rehabilitation.
Howe confirmed the forward remains unavailable, though his progress is moving in the right direction.
With other injuries scattered throughout the squad, the manager acknowledges that the team must continue navigating a challenging period with reduced depth.
The Magpies’ position in the table reflects these difficulties. Without a steady run of form and with key players short of full fitness, Newcastle have struggled to keep pace with their rivals.
Speaking to BBC Newcastle (via The Chronicle), Howe described the squad’s condition as mixed, emphasising both positives and ongoing concerns.
“We have a bit of a mixed bag,” he admitted as he addressed the status of several first-team players.
The uncertainty surrounding Anthony Gordon remains one of the more pressing concerns.
The winger, who has become increasingly influential for Newcastle since his arrival, faces a race against time to be available for the weekend showdown.
Howe was clear that the decision will likely go down to the wire: “Anthony [Gordon] we will wait and see, it will be touch and go for the game.”
Howe struck a confident tone regarding Tonali’s inclusion: “Sandro [Tonali] should be fine.”
- In-form Man City star told to forget World Cup dream despite impressive stats
- Newcastle Boss fires fierce warning to Man City, declares they are ready for the showdown
Goalkeeper Nick Pope is also expected to be available after sustaining a concussion. Having passed the mandatory checks, Pope is set to reclaim his place between the posts.
“Nick [Pope] had concussion but he has passed the protocols there, so he should be fine,” Howe said.
Despite these welcome updates, the picture is less reassuring elsewhere. Defensive options remain thin, with Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall still in the early stages of recovery.
“Tino Livramento, Lewis Hall in the early stages – although he has made a couple of really good appearances [for England Under-21s].”
Even as some players inch closer to full fitness, Wissa continues to be ruled out.
“Yoane Wissa is still out but starting to up his work now. So yeah, we are looking in a healthier place,” Howe concluded, offering a glimmer of optimism despite the ongoing complications.
