FootyChatter.com

Join The Club for quick access. Enter your email below and we'll send confirmation plus sign you up to our newsletter.

By submitting your information, you confirm you are aged 16 or over,

have read our

Privacy Policy

and agree to the

Terms & Conditions. Geographical rules apply.

Your membership journey starts here.

Keep exploring and earning more as a member.

Football Quizzes Quick quizzes for

football fans. Football Crosswords Football-themed crossword challenges.

Explore your membership benefits.

Find the subscription that suits you

We’ve

highlighted the subscriptions our members get the most value from.

Newcastle United pair Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon couldn't be seen training ahead of Qarabag's visit

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week. Become a Member in Seconds Unlock instant access to exclusive member features. You are now subscribed Your newsletter sign-up was successful Want to add more newsletters? Fantastic football content straight to your inbox! From the latest transfer news, quizzes, videos, features and interviews with the biggest names in the game, plus lots more. Sign up to our FREE live football newsletter, tracking all of the biggest games available to watch on the device of your choice. Never miss a kick-off! Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards. 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. Gordon was in exceptional form as he scored four times in Azerbaijan last week, with Howe admitting it was more precaution than any injury woes.

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/I1hvz9r MWQFebruary 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. " The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week. 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. "

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. Matthew Holt writes freelance for Four Four Two, 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. You must confirm your public display name before commenting Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.

Four Four Two is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

©

Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury,

Bath

BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait. ..