The Italy midfielder had been classed as a major doubt for the encounter with the Liga Portugal side
Sandro Tonali arrives at St James' Park for Newcastle United's Champions League clash against Benfica
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Sandro Tonali shook off a bout of illness to be part of Newcastle United's squad to face Benfica.
The Italian midfielder did not train on the eve of the Champions League clash at St James' Park against Jose Mourinho's side. The ex-AC Milan star arrived with his team-mates for United's European clash.
Howe had said last night: "A bit of illness with Sandro, so he will be touch and go for the game.
"We will give him every opportunity. He wasn't there today, and he is such an important player, so we will give him all the hours we have."
Tonali has featured prominently for Newcastle and Italy this season and has barely been rested by Howe. He came off early away to Brighton & Hove Albion and the presence of a fully fit version of Tonali was badly missed on the South Coast.
More to follow...
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