**Newcastle United are back in action on Tuesday night as Benfica come to St James' Park for the next round of Champions League fixtures. Kick-off is at 8pm with the game being shown live on TNT Sports.**
The Magpies will feel this is a winnable game in amongst a bunch of tricky fixtures in the competition, and having all players ready, available and fully fit is imperative for Eddie Howe.
There are a few key players injured already that we know about, with Lewis Hall, Tino Livramento and Yoane Wissa all on the long-term absence list.
However, there is a new concern for Howe after one of Newcastle's most important players was notably absent from training on Monday.
> [](https://twitter.com/DomScurr/status/1980296524765798636)
Eddie Howe says Sandro Tonali is 'touch and go'
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Speaking to the media ahead of tomorrow's game, Eddie Howe explained Sandro Tonali's absence from training and admitted that the Italian is a doubt to face Jose Mourinho's side.
> "Bit of illness with Sandro so he will be touch and go for the game.
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> "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."
Sandro Tonali has been one of the most consistent players for Newcastle this season
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Aside from being rested for the Bradford game in the Carabao Cup, Sandro Tonali has been an ever-present figure for Newcastle this season and losing him for a game of this size would be a huge blow.
Tonali has been one of the side's most consistent performers when the team has been anything but. Although he was a lot quieter than usual on Saturday as the entire midfield trio struggled.
There's still a chance that Tonali recovers in time for tomorrow, and we've got everything crossed that he is fit enough to play.