Sandro Tonali returns to Newcastle after confirmed injury news
Newcastle’s injury concerns are not going away with key midfielder Sandro Tonali the latest of their stars to suffer an issue.
Sandro Tonali has been an important part of Newcastle‘s rise over the last few years after joining the club from AC Milan in 2023.
The 25-year-old featured 45 times last term as the Magpies finished fifth in the top-flight, and has continued to be a key man this season with three assists in 15 appearances so far.
Shock reports recently emerged that Tonali had secretly signed a new Newcastle contract until 2029 last year due to the club’s support of him during his ban for breaching betting rules.
Anthony Gordon picked up a hip issue against Athletic Club last week, while Joelinton suffered an injury against Brentford a few days later, and Tonali is now the latest Magpies star to have concerns around his fitness.
Sandro Tonali due to return to Newcastle early as he misses Italy vs Norway clash
Tonali played the full 90 minutes for Italy on Thursday (13 November) as they beat Moldova 2-0 to give themselves a chance of automatic qualification for the World Cup next year.
They need to beat Norway on Sunday (16 November) by a huge scoreline to finish top of the group, but the 25-year-old will not take part after a new update on his fitness.
Fabrizio Romano has reported that Tonali will not play for the Azzurri as he isn’t fully fit to do so, and Newcastle are aware of his issues so he will be returning to Tyneside earlier than planned as a result.
Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso spoke to the media about his concerns, saying: “Tonali will not take part in the match. It’s not about injury, but about the warning, which is the reason why we don’t risk it. He will be present at the stadium, just like (Riccardo) Calafiori.”
Tonali is set to stay at Newcastle for the long-term despite transfer rumours
Reports of Juventus’ interest in Tonali emerged in August as doubts remained over his future, but those were put to bed for the time being upon news of his fresh terms already being signed in 2024.
Tonali recently admitted that it is “tough” to predict where his long-term future lies, prompting many supporters to worry about potential terms within his new deal that could see him leave the club sooner rather than later.
There is no release clause in Tonali’s contract, however, and the extension that he signed last year is as secure as can be from the Tyneside outfit’s point of view, with no club able to prise him from their grasp unless they want to pay a huge amount.
Magpies boss Eddie Howe recently praised him as “integral to the team,” and so everyone connected with the club will hope that his current issue is simply precautionary and he will be fit for a huge clash against Man City next weekend.