Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United reacts after having a shot saved by Jordan Pickford during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Everton at St James' Park on February 28, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)placeholder image
Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United reacts after having a shot saved by Jordan Pickford during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Everton at St James' Park on February 28, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Newcastle United issue official Sandro Tonali illness update ahead of Barcelona Champions League tie.
Illness has been running through Newcastle’s squad in recent with Jacob Ramsey, Nick Woltemade and Anthony Gordon just three players known to have been suffering from the bug.
Ramsey was forced off at half-time against Everton, while Woltemade missed the win over Manchester United. Gordon was named on the bench against Barcelona in the Champions League before Tonali missed the trip to Stamford Bridge entirely.
Next up for Newcastle is a trip to Barcelona in the Champions League second leg at Camp Nou on Wednesday, and Eddie Howe castle will be hoping to have Tonali back fit for the crucial tie as the sides head into the second leg level 1-1 on aggregate.
Sandro Tonali absent from Chelsea win - here’s why
When asked if Tonali would be available against Barcelona, Howe said: “Yeah, we hope so. He was feeling unwell after training [Friday].
“It quickly became apparent that he wouldn't be able to travel. So, fingers crossed it follows a similar pattern with the other illnesses we've had [and] it's quite a quick recovery.
“There's been something going around now for two to three weeks in the squad. Fingers crossed, it's the same.”
Sandro Tonali agent fuel transfer speculation... again
Tonali’s absence against Chelsea came hours after his agent, Giuseppe Riso, spoke out about his client’s future at Newcastle
After playing down the Arsenal links during the winter transfer window, Riso is now claiming it is ‘very likely’ that the Gunners will make a move in the summer for Tonali.
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.”
When Riso’s quotes were put to Howe after the win at Chelsea, the Newcastle boss said: “I've not seen those comments so it's difficult for me to comment.”
Newcastle United injury list v Barcelona
Joe Willock is also a concern after being forced off against Chelsea with a muscle problem.
Providing an update after the game, Howe said: “I don't know 100% how he is. I've not had time to sit with him and discuss it.
“I thought he was immense today, Joe. Highlighted by the goal, really, that's Joe at his very best. Athleticism, speed and then a really good decision to square it to Anthony. Very unselfish.
Lewis Miley is closing in on a return after six weeks out with muscle damage but it is unclear whether he will be back for the trip to Camp Nou.
Bruno Guimaraes will make the trip to Spain but only as a spectator as he aims to return to the field after coming the upcoming international break.
Fabian Schar is also out and Emil Krafth has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.
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