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 injuries: Eddie Howe has provided an update on Sandro Tonali after the midfielder missed Sunday’s defeat against Sunderland.
Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali is expected to join up with the Italy national team this week despite missing Sunday’s 2-1 Tyne-Wear derby defeat to Sunderland.
The 25-year-old was a notable absentee from the matchday squad at St James’ Park, watching on from the sidelines in casual clothes as the Magpies fell to a disappointing home loss.
Tonali has endured a stop-start couple of weeks ahead of the international break. He originally sat out the 1-0 victory over Chelsea due to a reported illness before returning to the starting line-up for the Champions League clash with Barcelona.
However, his return was short-lived as he was forced off during the 7-2 defeat at the Nou Camp with a groin injury.
Sandro Tonali misses Sunderland defeat
That issue ultimately prevented him from featuring against the Black Cats, with the game coming just a few days too soon for the former AC Milan man.
Speaking after the match, head coach Eddie Howe provided an update on the midfielder’s fitness and admitted his absence was felt on the pitch.
“No, not a longer term problem but it was too quick a turnaround probably by a couple of days for him for this game,” Howe confirmed.
“We missed our technicians today, Bruno [Guimaraes], Lewy [Miley], Sandro all a very similar profile of player and we didn't have any of them and that meant our midfield was reshuffled and the lads did their best, but I think we missed their qualities.”
Sandro Tonali Italy call-up and World Cup hopes
Despite the injury concern, Tonali is still expected to travel away with the Italy squad for their crucial upcoming fixtures.
The Azzurri are facing a vital international break with their place at the 2026 World Cup on the line. Italy must navigate a path through Northern Ireland and then potentially a final against either Bosnia and Herzegovina or Wales to secure their spot in the tournament.Tonali, who was unable to represent his country at the 2024 European Championships due to a ban, is yet to play for Italy at a major tournament.
While Federico Chiesa has already withdrawn from the squad due to his own injury issues, Tonali will join up with his teammates and be subject to further assessment by the Italy medical staff.
Sandro Tonali expected return date
The current outlook suggests the midfielder will be back in contention for Newcastle when Premier League action resumes following the international break.
The Magpies are scheduled to travel to face Crystal Palace in their first game back on April 13.
With United currently sitting 12th in the table and only seven games remaining in the campaign, having their "technicians" back available will be a priority for Howe as he looks to finish a challenging season on a high.
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