Newcastle United received a welcome lift this morning as preparations continue for the return of Premier League football. With Manchester City set to arrive at St James’ Park on Saturday, the mood around the training ground brightened after a positive update from Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie.
He revealed that Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon and Nick Pope were all present and involved at the club’s base today, giving fans fresh optimism ahead of the huge clash.
All three players had become subjects of concern during the international break. Tonali was left out of Italy’s 4–1 loss to Norway earlier in the week, raising questions about his condition.
Gordon withdrew from the England squad because of a hip issue, and Pope was forced to leave the national camp after suffering a concussion during Newcastle’s defeat to Brentford. With a fixture as demanding as Manchester City coming up, their status had been watched closely.
Downie’s update suggests that all three could still feature at the weekend, even though Eddie Howe cautioned last night that Gordon remains “touch and go.”
The winger has been one of Newcastle’s most influential players this season, and his availability would make a significant difference as the team prepares to take on the champions.
Seeing him back on the training pitches is a promising sign, and supporters will hope he can come through the next couple of sessions without discomfort.
Tonali’s situation appears more straightforward, with Howe suggesting he should be fine to return. His absence from Italy’s match seemed more precautionary than anything serious, and his presence today reinforces that Newcastle expect him to be available.
Pope’s condition is equally encouraging. Following concussion protocols is mandatory, but with the goalkeeper having now passed those checks, Howe believes he will be ready to play. Given Pope’s importance to the team, his return would ease a lot of nerves, especially with City’s firepower arriving at St James’ Park.
Tino Livramento is another player who could make his comeback this weekend. The young full-back has been pushing to recover in time for the fixture, and there is growing confidence he may return to the matchday squad.
Newcastle have missed his energy and athleticism, and even if he starts on the bench, his presence alone adds depth and balance to the defensive options.
Not all the news is positive, however. Howe confirmed last night that Yoane Wissa will remain unavailable. The striker has yet to make his debut after suffering a knee ligament injury shortly after his arrival from Brentford.
While he has stepped up his workload in recent days, the match against Manchester City will come too soon for him. Newcastle will continue to monitor his progress, but patience will be needed as he works his way back to full fitness.
Speaking at the Newcastle United Foundation Awards Dinner, where he was inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame, Howe offered clarity on the state of his squad.
He explained that the group is still a “mixed bag,” with some players nearing a return and others in earlier stages of their recovery. He highlighted recent appearances from Lewis Hall with England’s Under-21s as another positive sign, though he stressed that Hall and Livramento still need careful management.
Even with a few concerns lingering, the overall picture is far brighter than it was just days ago. A Premier League meeting with Manchester City demands maximum strength, energy and focus, and having Tonali, Gordon and Pope all trending toward involvement is a massive boost.
Newcastle have battled injuries all season, and any sign of stability is welcomed as they look to build momentum in a packed winter schedule.
Saturday’s match will be one of the biggest tests of the year, but today’s developments bring renewed confidence. Newcastle appear to be moving into a healthier place at exactly the right time.
