Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali went off injured against Tottenham Hotspur.
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Newcastle United are sweating over the fitness of Sandro Tonali ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash at home to Burnley.
Eddie Howe’s side missed the chance to record a third straight Premier League win on Tuesday night after being held to a 2-2 draw by Tottenham Hotspur.
Substitutes Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon twice gave the Magpies the lead but Cristian Romero equalised both times, with his second goal coming in the 95th minute.
Newcastle United issue official Sandro Tonali injury update
Following a goalless first half, Howe introduced his captain, Bruno Guimaraes, at half-time in place of Tonali, who, alongside Jacob Murphy, had been recalled to the starting XI after being on the bench for the 4-1 win at Everton on Saturday night.
Speaking after the game, Howe confirmed Tonali’s withdrawal was due to an injury sustained at some stage during the first half, though the head coach was unable to confirm what the issue was exactly and its severity.
Howe said: “He took a knock in the first half. I don't quite know the extent of the injury or what type of injury it is, but he couldn't continue.”
Eddie Howe explains why Bruno Guimaraes started on the bench
Guimaraes was a surprise omission from the starting line-up, with Howe opting to try and rest his skipper ahead of a busy fixture list that sees Newcastle play seven games in 25 days.
"Rotational reasons, we've got such a busy schedule ahead, we want him at his physical best,” said Howe. “It was a chance to rotate midfield slightly without unbalancing it. The first half performance was strong.”
The 28-year-old went on to open the scoring in the 71st minute in what was his fourth goal of the campaign, all of which have come at the Gallowgate End at St James’ Park.
Howe added: "He did very well, it was an outstanding finish. He made a difference, his enthusiasm, passion and energy made a big difference.”
Bruno Guimaraes reflects on Newcastle United’s draw v Tottenham Hotspur
On his goal Guimaraes said: “It was a brilliant finish but I would change everything about my goal to get the three points. I cannot leave happy today but we have another game on Saturday so we have to take the positive and try to get the three points in that match.”
Reflecting on the result, Guimaraes added: “It's tough to say about the game. We are leaving here today very unhappy. The ball was bouncing in the box and nobody was there to take the ball away including myself. The feeling right now is very negative but we have to turn things around. It is unacceptable for us to concede again at the end of the game.
"It's not the first time we concede at the end of the game, it is something we have to sort out. It is not healthy for us to concede so late. In my view we were better than them so we leave here very unhappy tonight.”