Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United takes to the field prior to the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between Newcastle United and Manchester City on March 07, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)placeholder image
Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United takes to the field prior to the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between Newcastle United and Manchester City on March 07, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Sandro Tonali is missing from Newcastle United’s squad against Chelsea just hours after his agent made a fresh claim about his future.
Eddie Howe’s squad has been hit by illness in recent weeks. Jacob Ramsey was sick at half-time during the 3-2 defeat to Everton before Nick Woltemade was forced to miss the 2-1 win over Manchester United a few days later.
Anthony Gordon was then unwell in midweek, which restricted him to a substitute appearance in the 1-1 draw against Barcelona in the Champions League.
Newcastle United official reason why Sandro Tonali is missing v Chelsea
And now Tonali is the latest player to be hit by the bug, causing him to miss the visit to Stamford Bridge.
The Italian is one six changes from the Barcelona draw as Sven Botman, Gordon, Tino Livramento, Jacob Murphy, Nick Woltemade and Joe Willock come in for Dan Burn, Will Osula, Kieran Trippier, Anthony Elanga and Joelinton.
Newcastle United: Aaron Ramsdale, Lewis Hall, Sven Botman, Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes, Malick Thiaw, Tino Livramento, Jacob Murphy (c), Nick Woltemade, Joe Willock, Jacob Ramsey
Substitutes: Nick Pope, John Ruddy, Kieran Trippier, Joelinton, Yoane Wissa, Will Osula, Anthony Elanga, Dan Burn, Alex Murphy
Sandro Tonali’s agent speaks again about midfielder’s NUFC future
Tonali’s absence comes just hours after his agent, Giuseppe Riso, gave another bombshell interview claiming the midfielder could leave for either Arsenal or Manchester City in the summer.
Speaking to Calcio&Finanza, Riso said: “Newcastle are already a Champions League club, but now it’s said that Tonali is being targeted by top clubs, those aiming to win the Premier League, such as Arsenal or Manchester City.
“Exactly, that was the aim from the moment he went to England - to try and turn him into a star player. I think he’s the Italian player with one of the highest values in the world.”
When asked if he expects a move to Manchester City or Arsenal in the summer, Riso laughed: “I don’t know! 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.”
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