Eddie Howe has provided a concerning update on Newcastle United duo Sandro Tonali and Joelinton.
The Magpies were cruelly beaten 3-2 in the dying seconds of their Premier League classic at St James’ Park against Liverpool.
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Rio Nguhoma became the youngest Liverpool goalscorer in history with a winner deep into stoppage time to beat ten-men Newcastle.
But there could be worse consequences than just the result for Howe’s men.
They first lost Tonali to what looked to be a shoulder injury in the 66th minute.
Lewis Miley came on for the Italy international, but things went from bad to worse ten minutes later.
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Joelinton was fouled by Ryan Gravenberch, and on landing, he appeared to damage his leg.
He was immediately replaced by Jacob Ramsey for his Newcastle debut.
But the Brazilian was emotional as he walked straight down the tunnel and had to be consoled by fellow Brazilian Bruno Guimaraes.
And speaking to beIN SPORTS after the match, Howe provided bad news for Newcastle.
He said: “Difficult for me to give a thorough assessment at the moment, but Joelinton’s doesn’t look good.
“Sandro Tonali’s doesn’t look good. Obviously, Anthony Gordon will now be suspended for, and Fabian [Schar] looks concussed.”
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Then in an interview with Sky Sports, he said: “Sandro’s doesn’t look good, he was in quite a bit of pain.
“I don’t know the full extent of it or Joelinton’s.
“They both look threatening for us in the sense they could be out for a while.”
Newcastle also lost Fabian Schar to concussion after a clash with Virgil van Dijk.
That means he would likely miss the Toon’s next match against Leeds United on Saturday.
Of course, Anthony Gordon will play no part in that game either after his red card.
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The England winger was initially booked for a reckless tackle on Van Dijk before a VAR review was recommended.
After a review, the decision was upgraded to a red.
It came after Ryan Gravenberch opened the scoring for Liverpool.
Hugo Ekitike then doubled the lead right at the start of the second half to put the Reds in command.
However, Tino Livramento’s excellent cross was headed into the back of the net by Bruno Guimaraes.
The Toon equalised in the 88th minute as Will Osula got on the end of Nick Pope’s free-kick and slotted beyond Alisson Becker, but it was to be Nguhoma’s night.
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What next for Newcastle?
The Magpies’ whole summer has been clouded by the Alexander Isak saga, leaving them without a striker in their two opening games.
But the Toon have produced two excellent performances for only one point.
They still haven’t replaced Callum Wilson, and they have been trying for Yoane Wissa, while Wolves have rejected an offer of £50million for Jorgen Strand Larsen.
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However, if Tonali and Joelinton prove to be out for a while, a new midfielder could be on the agenda for Howe.
Tonali and Joelinton are crucial to the way Newcastle play, so any long-term absences would be damaging.
