Sandro Tonali did not take part in Newcastle United’s training session on Monday ahead of facing Benfica in the Champions League.
Eddie Howe’s side are back in European action on Tuesday night, as they attempt to bounce back from losing to Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday.
It will be a tough game at St James’ Park against Jose Mourinho’s Benfica side, and it could now be an even bigger challenge amid concerns over Sandro Tonali’s fitness.
The Italy international was not spotted in any of the Newcastle United training photos on Monday, as Eddie Howe prepared his players to face the Portuguese giants.
Having played back-to-back 90 minutes for Italy, Tonali was substituted during the second half of Newcastle’s defeat to Brighton. The 25-year-old was replaced by Jacob Ramsey in the 70th minute.
Toon fans will be eager to hear what Howe has to say about the midfielder’s status, as the Newcastle United manager gets set to speak to the media at 4:30pm.
Newcastle United FC Training Session And Press Conference - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Sean Neave trains with Newcastle United first-team ahead of Benfica game
While there was no sign of Tonali at the Newcastle United training ground on Monday morning, there was an appearance from 18-year-old striker Sean Neave.
The teenager took part in first-team training ahead of Newcastle’s game against Benfica, and it will be interesting to see whether or not he is part of the squad on Tuesday night.
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Neave, who is yet to make his senior debut for the club, has started both of Newcastle United Under-19s’ UEFA Youth League games this season. He played the full 90 minutes in defeats to Barcelona and Union Saint-Gilloise, with the Toon youngsters set to face Benfica Under-19s at Whitley Park on Tuesday afternoon (2pm kick-off).