Eddie Howe delivers injury update ahead of Newcastle United's clash with Burnley - Two big stars potentially ruled out
Eddie Howe has spoken to the media on Friday morning ahead of Newcastle United's Premier League encounter with Burnley in a traditional 3 pm non-televised kick-off on Saturday.
As is tradition, Howe kicked off his presser with an update on the health of the squad.
After coming off at half time on Tuesday night with a knock, it seems that Sandro Tonali is a doubt for Saturday's game.
Howe hasn't entirely ruled out an appearance for the Italian, though. The midfielder has had a scan, and it isn't a bad injury. Howe said he's giving Tonali every chance to declare himself fit for Saturday.
Sven Botman looks set to miss out on Saturday
Meanwhile, Sven Botman looks set to miss out again after having an injection for his back injury, as confirmed by Howe.
"Sven has had an injection in his back I believe but I haven't seen him personally since the Tottenham game. We hope that will bring about his return quite quickly but we think there's a timeframe of about a week for the injection to work."
This will now mean that the Dutchman has only been available for 50% of games since his £35 million arrival from Lille, which is a worrying statistic. He really is our new Jonathan Woodgate.
Where's James Bunce?
As for Sandro Tonali. If there is any doubt over his fitness, then he shouldn't be playing; it's as simple as that.
Lewis Miley has been outstanding in the last couple of games, so it's not as if we're desperate. Sandro Tonali is too important a player to put at risk by trying to rush him back when he's not 100%.
It does feel like we're starting to make the same old mistakes again. Where's James Bunce these days? He used to stop all this madness.
