Sandro Tonali pictured in action for Newcastle United last night.placeholder image
Sandro Tonali pictured in action for Newcastle United last night. | Getty Images
Newcastle United are sweating on Sandro Tonali’s fitness ahead of the Tyne-Wear derby.
Italian media claim Sandro Tonali will undergo an MRI scan in the next few hours following his latest Newcastle United setback.
The midfielder was hooked on 55 minutes against Barcelona following an awkward tumble on the byline. Tonali had chased down Fermin Lopez, putting the ball out for a corner before hitting the deck.
What first appeared to be standard on-field treatment quickly turned into concern for the Magpies. Eddie Howe was forced to take Tonali off, who clutched his left thigh as he limped towards the dugout.
What Eddie Howe said last night
Howe provided a worrying update on Tonali after last night’s defeat to Barca. Newcastle could be without their maestro for the crucial Tyne-Wear derby this weekend.
“Sandro, of course, had a bit of illness coming into the game,” Howe said. “I think he was beginning to fatigue. I think he was feeling something in and around his groin area, so that could be a problem for us.
“I’d say he’s a doubt (for Sunderland). It looks like he’s got a groin/hip problem. I thought he performed really well in the first half, and we really missed him in that second period.”
Italian media issue worrying update
Gazzetta dello Sport claim Tonali is set for an imminent scan on a “problem area” between his thigh and hip. It is strongly suggested that he has suffered a fascia lata injury.
A fascia lata is described as a “deep, tough layer of fibrous connective tissue that surrounds and encloses the muscles of the thigh”. As the extent of the injury has not been discovered, it remains unclear how long Tonali will spend on the sidelines.
However, it is noted that Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso has already begun considering alternatives ahead of the upcoming international break. Gli Azzurri are aiming to qualify for their first World Cup since 2014, with a semi-final against Northern Ireland leading to a potential clash with Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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