According to The Telegraph, Sandro Tonali and Alexander Isak look set to start tomorrow night’s clash with AC Milan.
After 20 years away from the UEFA Champions League, we kick off Group F with a trip to the San Siro – and it seems the two most expensive signings in Newcastle’s history will be back in Eddie Howe’s starting 11.
Tonali was an unused substitute in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Brentford, although it was an encouraging sign that he made the squad after suffering a thigh injury with Italy last week. “We were only going to use Sandro in an emergency [against Brentford. That was partly because we wanted to give him the best possible chance of being ready for Tuesday’s game”, Howe said.
As for Isak, he was given a week off after starting twice for Sweden over the international break, with Callum Wilson stepping in admirably against the Bees with an ice-cool penalty and some brilliant hold up play.
However, our club-record signing is set to lead the line at the San Siro and Tonali will return to our midfield, coming in against his former club just a few months after swapping the Serie A giants for St James’ Park.
Elsewhere, I’d expect Miguel Almiron to return to the side down the right, but there’ll be no Joelinton, who has been ruled out for ‘a few weeks’ after aggravating a knee problem while away with Brazil.
