Sandro Tonali pictured in action for Newcastle United last night.placeholder image
Sandro Tonali pictured in action for Newcastle United last night. | Getty Images
Sandro Tonali was withdrawn from Newcastle United’s squad to face Sunderland due to injury.
Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali has joined up with the Italy national team for the international break, despite being forced to watch Sunday’s 2-1 Tyne-Wear derby defeat from the sidelines.
Tonali has been pictured back with the Italy squad but is on a light training programme as Gennaro Gattuso hopes to have him fit for a potential World Cup qualification decider.
Tonali has endured a frustrating few weeks leading up to the break. After sitting out the 1-0 win over Chelsea due to illness, he returned for the Champions League clash with Barcelona, only to be forced off with a groin injury during the 7-2 defeat at the Nou Camp.
That injury ultimately ruled him out of the clash against Sunderland.
Speaking after the derby, head coach Eddie Howe confirmed the problem was not a "longer term" issue, but admitted the match came "probably by a couple of days" too soon for the midfielder. Howe lamented the absence of Tonali alongside fellow sidelined midfielders Bruno Guimaraes and Lewis Miley, noting: “We missed our technicians today...the lads [Joelinton, Jacob Ramsey and Nick Woltemade] did their best, but I think we missed their qualities.”
Italy boss confirms Sandro Tonali training plan
Despite his fitness concerns, Tonali is with the Azzurri squad as they prepare for a crucial World Cup play-off against Northern Ireland. However, Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso has confirmed that the former AC Milan man is not yet at 100 per cent.
Providing an update on the squad’s condition, Gattuso stated: “Tonali will train with a low workload” as the medical staff evaluates his progress.
Italy are desperate to secure a place at the 2026 World Cup, having not featured at a finals since 2014, while Tonali is still looking to represent his country at a major tournament for the first time following his suspension during Euro 2024.
Potential return date for Sandro Tonali
Newcastle will be closely monitoring Tonali’s involvement over the next fortnight. The club is hopeful that the international period will allow the midfielder enough time to return to full fitness ahead of their next Premier League fixture as long as he suffers no setbacks while away with his country.
The Magpies travel to face Crystal Palace on April 12 as they look to climb up the table with seven games left to play.
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