Sandro Tonali concern explained & Newcastle United midfielder set to miss Manchester City clash
Newcastle United injuries and suspensions: Jacob Ramsey will miss Saturday’s match against Manchester City due to suspension.
Newcastle United midfielder Jacob Ramsey was sent off following two bookable offences in Wednesday’s 2-1 win over Manchester United at St James’ Park.
Ramsey was shown a second yellow card by referee Peter Bankes for alleged simulation despite replays showing the Magpies midfielder tripped rather than dived.
Newcastle took the lead through an Anthony Gordon penalty moments later before Casemiro made it 1-1 before half-time.
The Magpies looked on course to secure a point with 10 men before the introduction of William Osula changed things entirely as the forward unleashed a stunning 90th minute strike to secure all three points for the home side.
In the final moments of the game, Sandro Tonali was forced off in what looked to be a fresh concern for Eddie Howe heading into Saturday’s crucial FA Cup last-16 clash against Manchester City.
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Eddie Howe slams Jacob Ramsey red card
On Ramsey’s red card, Howe said: “I thought very iffy, in my opinion. I don't think Jacob's gone down to simulate or mislead the referee in any way.
“I think he's maybe anticipating contact. It doesn't come, he loses his footing. I think you've got to be really careful before changing the game in that way, like the referee did. And sort of ruin the game to a degree as a spectacle, although maybe not from our side at the end, because we've got the result we wanted.
“But the game was very different, a lot slower. Yeah, I thought it was a poor decision, personally.”
Eddie Howe explains Sandro Tonali withdrawal
While Ramsey will certainly miss the Man City match on Saturday, Howe was quick to play down any concerns regarding Tonali following his late withdrawal in the match.
“I think it was just cramp, Sandro,” Howe explained. “Again, another player that's playing every week, who's executing everything.
“We've got a lot of players that are maxed out. We've got to be careful. We've got to manage the squad.
“We've got so many big games to come, and we don't have a deep squad. So yes, interesting squad selection and decisions for the weekend.”