Eddie Howe provides Newcastle United update on Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon

Eddie Howe has allayed any fears over the current fitness of Newcastle United duo Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon.

The Magpies pair were both not visible during the team's latest training session, which took place in front of the cameras ahead of their Champions League play-off second-leg tie with Qarabag.

Newcastle United fans breathe a sigh of relief over Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon injury fears

Eddie Howe manages Newcastle United FC during the Carabao Cup Semi-Final First Leg match between Newcastle United and Manchester City at St. James&amp;apos;s Park in Newcastle, on January 13, 2026. (Photo by Scott Llewellyn/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images) — Newcastle United look to already be into the last 16 of this season's UEFA Champions League (Image credit: Getty Images)

Opting to keep both players indoors to train away from the media, Howe explained the situation ahead of his side's clash with Qarabag this evening.

“There were a few players that we just kept inside today, no real issue, four or five players I think we just wanted to look after,” he said.

Eddie Howe on Sven Botman and Yoane Wissa:"We hope they'll be involved. We'll see how they are when they wake up tomorrow but fingers crossed they will be." pic.twitter.com/I1hvz9rMWQFebruary 23, 2026

"We'll look at the squad and try to pick a strong team,” he added. “We want to win the game, that's the first target.

“In some senses we want to keep a good rhythm with the players. It's a delicate balance between rotating the squad and making sure everyone's fresh and also making sure players don't lose rhythm and we don't lose the good feeling we've had."

Yoane Wissa and Sven Botman are two more players vowing to be involved against Qarabag on home soil, with both having suffered from individual niggles over the last few weeks.

When asked if the pair could feature, Howe said: "We hope they'll be involved. We'll see how they are when they wake up tomorrow but fingers crossed they will be."

Newcastle United striker Yoane Wissa (Image credit: Getty Images)

Progression will set up a grandstand tie for the Magpies in the next round, with either Chelsea or Barcelona awaiting them in the last 16.

Barcelona, of course, beat the Magpies on home soil in the league phase, with the Blues having drawn 2-2 with Howe's side in the Premier League earlier this season.

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Matthew Holt writes freelance for FourFourTwo, amongst others, and boasts previous experience at GOAL and SPORTBible. He now works with us alongside his time at Manchester United and Reach PLC, aiding with online content for the website. Career highs include working at the FA Cup final, as well as scoring at Old Trafford in front of the Stretford End. A long-term sufferer of his beloved Scunthorpe United, he is often seen on the padel court, as well as occasionally as a six-a-side call-up.

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