Eddie Howe has confirmed Newcastle United’s ‘injury’ substitute against AC Milan.
Newcastle United player Sandro Tonali had an emotional homecoming to AC Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
Tonali was back at the San Siro for the Champions League group stage, less than three months after leaving his boyhood club to join Newcastle.
Tonali was a minor doubt for the encounter after suffering a thigh injury while on international duty with Italy. On Saturday, he was an unused substitute against Brentford, but he returned to the starting lineup against his former team on Tuesday.
Newcastle just had one shot on goal in the game, but they were able to hold out the seven-time European winners and gain a point.
Tonali’s performance on the night delighted Magpies head coach Eddie Howe.
“I thought Sandro did well,” remarked Howe. “Clearly an emotional occasion for him.” How he felt before the game was unique to him; I don’t think anyone could have defined how he felt heading into the game, but he was part of a strong defensive performance by us in the first half.
“He has every right to be pleased and proud. He did a great job representing himself, and I’m sure there’s more to come from him.”
Tonali played 72 minutes before being substituted by Elliot Anderson. Howe explained that the modification was made due to the Italian’s recent injury.
Howe explained the switch, saying, “Of course, we had to manage him with his recent injury towards the end of the game.”
