Sandro Tonali
Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali was taken off in the second half against Barcelona on Wednesday.
Concerns are now growing in Italy about the player’s fitness.
Magpies’ manager Eddie Howe was asked about the midfielder’s injury and he expressed major doubt about his presence for the next few games.
“I’d say Sandro’s presence is doubtful. He’s got something in his groin, or his hip. It could be a problem for us.”
The Italian media have taken a closer look at the 25-year-old’s situation, with the Azzurri playing their FIFA World Cup playoff games in a matter of days.
Rino Gattuso’s side take on Northern Ireland in the playoff semi-final before potentially playing the winner of the game involving Wales and Bosnia in the final.
Tonali’s fitness test on Thursday
Today’s Corriere dello Sport expresses concern about the Newcastle United player’s availability for Italy’s upcoming games.
They make it clear that Tonali will have a key fitness test on Thursday to determine the extent of his injury.
There is also some criticism for Howe, who decided to field the midfielder against Barca despite concerns around an injury. That problem is exactly why he did not feature against Chelsea either.
Gazzetta dello Sport add that Italy manager Rino Gattuso is already considering alternatives. AS Roma’s Niccolo Pissili could be called up in place of Tonali, with Bryan Cristante and Davide Frattesi also seen as important options.
Italy’s pink daily also indicate that more details of Tonali’s injury could emerge in the next few hours. Gazzetta state: ‘Initial indications point to a problem between the thigh and hip, possibly involving the fascia lata. An MRI scheduled for the next few hours will clarify the extent of the injury, but the Azzurri are still hoping to be able to count on one of the key players under Gattuso’s management.’
An explanation of fascia lata, would be: ‘The deep, tough layer of fibrous connective tissue that surrounds and encloses the muscles of the thigh.’
Tonali’s absence could be decisive
Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali
Milan, Italy 20.03.2025: Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali celebrates during the Uefa Nations League 2025. Italy vs Germany at Giuseppe Meazza stadium.
Italy head into the playoff games with the immense pressure of qualification, after their failures of the last two editions. Even if games against Northern Ireland and Bosnia or Wales look winnable, it is the weight of expectation that can be crippling.
The Newcastle United star is one of their best players and having him would make things much easier. Besides, Tonali has become one of the Azzurri’s leaders under Gattuso.
All things considered though, Newcastle United will hope Italy don’t rush him into action. They would ideally want that he returns only after full recovery.
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