Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali was a notable absentee when Eddie Howe named his squad for today’s encounter with Chelsea. The Italian midfielder has been a mainstay in the Magpies’ team this season.
Tonali was in the headlines hours before kick-off when comments from his agent caused a stir. Beppe Riso didn’t downplay speculation linking him with Arsenal and Manchester United.
Riso instead suggested that Tonali moved to St James’ Park to become a “star player.” He also talked up his client’s value amid talk of a possible big-money move this summer:
No Tonali
Tonali didn’t travel with the squad to Stamford Bridge because he is struggling with illness. The 25-year-old has appeared in all 29 of his side’s league games this season but won’t be in action today.
The Italian’s absence will undoubtedly fuel further talk over his future, as it comes on the same day his agent commented on rumours. But the reason he won’t be facing Chelsea is purely because of illness.
That’s the same issue that Anthony Gordon and Nick Woltemade have been dealing with in recent weeks. Those two do make the starting XI, with Woltemade chosen in midfield as Howe tries to deal with Tonali’s absence.
Joe Willock is also selected in midfield alongside Jacob Ramsey. It’s a second-choice midfield that faces a Chelsea side chasing Champions League qualification.
Tonali absence ends incredible run
Howe is without two of his first-choice midfielders for the game at Stamford Bridge, including Tonali. Bruno Guimaraes is still nursing a hamstring injury, and while he’ll travel to Barcelona next week, he won’t be in action.
Joelinton could only make the bench due to a foot issue, and the Brazilian could do with a rest ahead of the Camp Nou trip. It gives those selected in the middle of the park the chance to impress.
The clash with Chelsea is the first time in Howe’s reign in which Guimaraes, Joelinton or Tonali don’t start. It’s a remarkable stat given the English coach has been in charge since November 2011.
This is why it’s important that the club’s transfer chiefs get the recruitment right in the summer. A lack of depth is proving to be an issue with Woltemade used in midfield.
Howe will be praying none of his players who are in action sustains an injury ahead of their meeting with Barca next Wednesday (March 18th). They face the Catalans in the second leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie with the scores level at 1-1 on aggregate.
