Sandro Tonali, a midfielder for Newcastle United, is a fitness doubt ahead of the return of Premier League action and a reunion with AC Milan next week after suffering an injury while on international duty with Italy.
The midfielder will miss tonight’s crunch Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine in Milan with what has been described in his homeland as a “slight muscle injury.”
Fresh reports in Italy on Tuesday morning claim Tonali has had further tests on the injury and is suffering with “muscle fatigue”, with Newcastle having been made aware of his condition.
At this point, it’s unclear whether he’ll be able to face Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday, with Newcastle then due to begin their Champions League campaign away at Tonali’s previous club Milan the following Tuesday.
Tonali will have returned to Tyneside by the time Newcastle manager Eddie Howe speaks to the media on Friday morning.
The 23-year-old, who has started all four of Newcastle’s Premier League games so far this season, played 89 minutes of Italy’s disappointing 1-1 draw away at North Macedonia at the weekend.
That leaves Italy trailing Ukraine by three points, though they do have a game in hand, ahead of tonight’s crucial meeting.
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Tonali told the Italian press after the weekend draw, “It is not what we hoped for and it is not the result we wanted to take back home.” Disappointment is normal, as is North Macedonia’s right to celebrate their victory.
“But this is football, and every game at the international level is difficult.” We must now get back on track since another major encounter is coming up in a few days. We need to reclaim our Italian identity.
“We controlled the game well and had numerous chances, but then were unable to deal with their reaction in the final 15 minutes. It’s a pity, as we allowed very few opportunities, but it was enough to pay for it with a draw.”
