'There is hope': Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie gives positive update from Newcastle United training ground
Newcastle United are back in Premier League action on Saturday when they face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in a 5:30 pm kick-off, live on Sky Sports.
It's a mammoth game for the Magpies, who haven't won on the road in the Premier League all season.
Goals have been particularly hard to come by away from St James' Park in the league, even if it's not necessarily been a problem in the Champions League.
Newcastle have two away games in the Premier League to get this monkey off their back before they face bitter rivals Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. First is Man City, and then it's Everton, who have a pretty strong record at their new stadium so far, so it's not going to be easy.
Keith Downie has spotted three key players back in training today
To stand any chance on Saturday, Eddie Howe is going to need as many of his top players fit and ready to go as possible, but thankfully, Keith Downie has given a positive update on three key players who withdrew from international duty early.
🚨 ✔️Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon & Nick Pope were all present at #NUFC training this morning despite being pulled out of their respective international squads through injury.
👍🏽 There is hope all three will be available to play against Man City on Saturday.
Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon will be huge to have back for Saturday
Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon are the two big ones there for us. Even though Gordon hasn't really captured his Champions League form in the domestic league, he has a habit of turning up for big games, and he will be useful on Saturday.
We don't need to explain how vital Sandro Tonali is to Newcastle's midfield. The Italian absolutely dictates the play for Newcastle these days.
Nick Pope is likely to still be in line to be selected by Eddie Howe, provided he's fully recovered from his concussion, but honestly, we weren't opposed to seeing Aaron Ramsdale being given a chance after Pope's recent howlers.
