Newcastle will be looking to bounce back in tomorrow’s Champions League clash with Benfica after losing 2-1 to Brighton on Saturday.
It feels like another big game in the context of our season and UCL campaign, so news this lunchtime that casted doubt over Sandro Tonali’s availability was the last thing we needed.
Sky Sports’ Keith Downie revealed at 12.30pm that Tonali was absent from today’s training session, suggesting the midfielder is not 100% fit.
But, posting an hour later, The Mail’s [Craig Hope](https://x.com/CraigHope_DM/status/1980251963640938822) has followed this with the good and bad news on our Italian maestro, revealing that he was missing through illness and is NOT injured, giving him ‘a chance’ of making tomorrow’s 8pm kick-off at St James’ Park.
Writing on X, Hope said: _‘Understand Sandro Tonali has been suffering from a bug He missed training today but still has a chance of making tomorrow’s game at home to Benfica. There is NO injury, which is good news for Newcastle!’_
Tonali came off on Saturday with 20 minutes to play and was a level or two below his best at the Amex, highlighted for Brighton’s opening goal as he was beaten a little too easily before Danny Welbeck was slipped through on goal.
Eddie Howe will be speaking to the media from 4pm today, which could give us more of an idea on Tonali’s availability, with Lewis Hall, Tino Livramento and Yoane Wissa already ruled out.
Hopefully he can rest up today, recover and get himself ready in time for tomorrow’s game!