Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has revealed that Sandro Tonali remains a fitness concern ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League match against Benfica.
Tonali missed training ahead of Newcastle United vs Benfica after playing for 70 minutes in Saturday’s Premier League defeat to Brighton.
The Italian international has played almost every minute available this season, despite Howe’s rotational policy.
The only game the 25-year-old has missed is when Howe opted to rest him for Newcastle’s 4-1 win over Bradford in the Carabao Cup in September.
Concern was sparked when Tonali wasn’t visible at the Newcastle United training ground ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash.
Sandro Tonali in action for Newcastle United against Union Saint-Gilloise in the Champions League.
Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images
Sandro Tonali a doubt for Newcastle United vs Benfica
Speaking ahead of Newcastle United vs Benfica, Howe revealed the latest.
The Newcastle United manager said: “Bit of illness with Sandro so he will be touch and go for the game. “We’ll give him every opportunity but he wasn’t there at training today and he’s such an important player so we’ll use all the hours we have.”
Eddie Howe on Sandro Tonali: "Bit of illness with Sandro so he will be touch and go for the game.
"We'll give him every opportunity but he wasn't there at training today and he's such an important player so we'll use all the hours we have." pic.twitter.com/vx3qxBJqFo
— Dominic Scurr (@DomScurr) October 20, 2025
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Howe was handed a midfield boost on Saturday, with summer signing Jacob Ramsey making his first appearance since August following a foot injury.
The Aston Villa midfielder is again in contention for Tuesday’s game after making a cameo in Newcastle’s 2-1 defeat down on the south coast.
Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Lewis Miley and Joe Willock are also capable of playing in midfield for Newcastle.
Howe’s side are looking for their second win in this season’s Champions League. Heading into the latest round of fixtures, they sit 11th in the Champions League table after beating Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise 4-0 out in Brussels earlier this month.