The Italy midfielder has had a mixed week on Tyneside with a new deal confirmed but has also been hit with fitness issues
Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United shakes hands with Eddie Howe
Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United shakes hands with Eddie Howe(Image: Getty Images)
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Eddie Howe admits that Sandro Tonali remains a doubt for Newcastle United - and could miss the home clash with Fulham at St James' Park.
Tonali has been suffering with illness this week and was only named on the bench against Benfica in the Champions League. The Italian was not risked in the 3-0 win but has at least trained this week.
Speaking on Tonali's chances of facing Fulham, Howe said: "We are still monitoring Sandro. He did train on Wednesday but wasn't 100% so he is touch and go for the game."
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It also emerged this week that Tonali had signed a new contract behind the scenes with Howe offering more insight on to the extension. Indeed, Howe spoke about Tonali's decision to give up wages during his FIFA ban in 2024 but confirmed a new deal was in place.
When asked about Tonali's future, Howe, speaking at his Press conference ahead of the Fulham clash, said: "That is correct. A lot happened around the time that he was banned. A lot of discussions between Sandro's representatives and the football club.
Obviously, there was the contract situation involving him and sacrificial wages that Sandro volunteered, which I thought spoke volumes for his mentality and how he conducted himself in that period.
"And the club came to an agreement so he had an extension of his contract, which is a great thing, but most importantly, how he conducted himself in that ban - I thought he was brilliant and that has led to his brilliant performances."
The talk now at Newcastle is for an enhanced deal to be signed with the recent Alexander Isak exit to Liverpool in mind for close observers on Tyneside. Isak could not agree a new contract and demanded a move to Liverpool.
Howe said: "It's a two-way thing. Sandro has felt the love with everyone connected to the club.
"The supporters have been absolutely incredible with him, during the ban for one but that support during the ban then followed through with helping Sandro return to football and helping him with his issues off the pitch.
"He needed that support at that time and now we are seeing the benefits. He has been brilliant since returning to football."
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