Newcastle United have been boosted by an encouraging update regarding Sandro Tonali.
The Magpies are preparing for a big week as they welcome Benfica to St James' Park on Tuesday night in the Champions League before another home fixture against Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday.
Tonali is touch-and-go to take part against Benfica after being a notable absentee for the club's open training session ahead of their European clash. The Newcastle midfielder picked up a knock on international duty during the Azzurri's win over Israel, but was passed fit to start against Brighton at the weekend.
But despite being a virtual ever-present under Eddie Howe this term, Tonali only played 70 minutes in the 2-1 defeat to the Seagulls before missing Monday's opening training session.
Thankfully for Newcastle fans, it's not all bad news.
Sandro Tonali concern isn't as bad as feared
sandro tonali
With supporters worried about a potential injury problem for Tonali, an update from the Daily Mail's Craig Hope has put some of those concerns to rest.
Taking to X, Hope wrote:
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!
Described by Howe as being a 'forceable midfielder', Tonali has been a huge player for Newcastle so far this term, starting every single game in the Premier League and Champions League this term.
In those 10 fixtures, he's missed just 44 minutes of match action, including 20 minutes against Brighton following his substitution.
Should Tonali be ruled out of the clash with Benfica, it would leave the Newcastle boss with a difficult decision to make regarding his replacement in the starting XI.
The clash at the AMEX Stadium saw the Italian replaced by Jacob Ramsey, meaning that it could be the former Aston Villa star who comes into the side against the Portuguese giants. Otherwise, Lewis Miley or Joe Willock could come into the side.
Newcastle will be desperate to record a victory over Benfica in order following a 2-1 defeat to Barcelona on matchday one of their Champions League league phase campaign, They did, however, earn a comfortable 4-0 win over Union SG in Brussels on matchday two.
With just two wins in eight games in the Premier League leaving Newcastle in 13th place, the Magpies will be keen to build some momentum as the season moves into the winter months.