Blow for Eddie Howe as £55m Newcastle star just missed training ahead of Benfica clash
Newcastle return to the Champions League action on Tuesday, October 21, with a home clash against Benfica.
The Magpies were beaten 2-1 by Brighton on Saturday as a Danny Welbeck brace cancelled out Nick Woltemade’s 76th-minute strike.
Defeat on the South Coast left Eddie Howe’s men 13th in the Premier League with just two wins from their opening eight matches.
Meanwhile, in the Champions League, Newcastle thrashed Union Saint-Gilloise 4-0 last time out after losing 2-1 to Barcelona at St James’ Park.
Howe’s men will want to build on that impressive, free-flowing performance, although they may have to do so without one of their star players.
Sandro Tonali misses training ahead of Benfica
Sandro Tonali was a concern heading into their clash against Brighton at the weekend, having not trained with the first team until Friday.
The midfield maestro picked up a knock during Newcastle’s 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest before the international break, but was able to start Italy’s two wins over Estonia and Israel.
Worryingly, the 25-year-old went down and received treatment against Israel, but did get back to his feet to complete the majority of the game.
❌ 🇮🇹 Sandro Tonali was absent from Newcastle’s group training this morning — as Eddie Howe’s side prepare for the visit of Benfica in the Champions League tomorrow.
— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) October 20, 2025
🔁 The midfielder was subbed on 70mins at Brighton on Saturday.
🙋🏻♂️ One to ask Howe at his 4.30pm press… pic.twitter.com/cz2qHSlIFq
The former AC Milan star was then selected against the Seagulls on Saturday before being substituted with 20 minutes left, and now, Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie has revealed that the Italian was absent from Newcastle’s group training this morning (20 October).
Tonali, who joined the Toon for around £55million in 2023, has started every single Premier League and Champions League fixture this term.
However, it appears he could be feeling the effects of his relentless schedule for club and country, as he could now miss the showdown with Benfica.
Newcastle want to give Tonali new contract
Howe boasts arguably one of the best midfield trios in Europe, with Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton capable of dominating any opposition.
That is why Football Insider understands that Newcastle are ‘doing everything they can’ to give Tonali a new contract.
Although the 29-cap Italian star sees his current deal expire in June 2028, the Magpies want to kill off any chance of him leaving the North East.
Mick Brown also told Football Insider that Tonali is ‘happy’ at Newcastle amid talks of a contract offer, and fans will hope a deal gets wrapped up soon.