The Italy international was not present at Stamford Bridge leaving Eddie Howe with a new problem
Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United looks dejected following a draw in the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Newcastle United FC and FC Barcelona
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Sandro Tonali was a notable absentee at Stamford Bridge ahead of tonight's clash with Chelsea - just hours after his agent cast doubts over his future with suggestive comments about a summer exit.
The midfielder was left behind on Tyneside after being hit with an illness leaving Newcastle to rethink their midfield set-up in the capital. Tonali joins recent absentees Nick Woltemade, Jacob Ramsey and Anthony Gordon as the latest star to be struck down with illness in the camp.
Tonali's non-appearance was a blow for Newcastle and came just hours after Giuseppe Riso spoke openly about transfer talk surrounding his client.
It meant Newcastle started the game with Joe Willock on the team sheet while Nick Woltemade was also back in from the start.
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When asked about his move to Newcastle, Riso said: "The deal came about because a club like Newcastle with unlimited financial resources had decided to invest in Sandro. We considered the idea of having the player play in a higher-level league.”
On a possible exit from Tyneside to potentially Arsenal or Manchester City, Riso said: “Exactly, that was the goal from the moment he went to England – to try to make him a star player. I think he’s the Italian footballer with one of the highest values in the world."
Speaking about the prospect of Tonali being hot property after the World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico, Riso said: “If he shines at the World Cup, will City or Arsenal be hot on his heels? I don’t know (laughs, ed.), but it’s very likely. Everyone is waiting for the World Cup; then a thousand scenarios will unfold, but it all kicks off after the World Cup."
That said Italy must still win a play-off against Northern Ireland before facing either Wales or Bosnia & Herzegovina if they are to win a place in next summer's finals in the USA, Mexico and Canada.
UNITED: Ramsdale; Livramento, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Woltemade, Ramsey, Willock; Murphy (C), Barnes; Gordon
Subs: Pope, Ruddy, Trippier, Joelinton, Wissa, Osula, Elanga, Burn, A Murphy
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