Eddie Howe shares injury update on Sandro Tonali ahead of Newcastle vs Brentford
Newcastle United return to Premier League action on Saturday evening against Brentford, but could be without a key player at St James’ Park.
The Magpies have picked up an injury problem during the international break, with Sandro Tonali suffering a muscle issue whilst away with Italy.
The 23-year-old did not feature in his country’s second game of the international break against Ukraine, which led to some fears that he could return to Newcastle with an injury. However, there was some hope from fans that it was just your typical ‘international break’ injury.
Now Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has spoke about Tonali, and has admitted that the £55million summer signing is actually a doubt for Saturday’s game against Brentford.
Eddie Howe admits Sandro Tonali has a ‘slight injury’
Howe has spoke to the media ahead of the clash with the Bees, and has admitted that Tonali might not be able to play on Saturday night due to injury.
“He felt his thigh in training so he’s come back in and had a scan,” he told the Athletic.
“There’s a slight injury there. It’s nothing too serious or too long but we’ll wait and see if he’s fit for this weekend.”
Newcastle likely set for midfield change against Brentford
Howe is fairly non-committal when discussing Tonali’s fitness. While he has admitted that the Italian suffered an injury scare whilst away on international duty, he refused to rule him out of Saturday’s game.
It is a typical response from the Newcastle manager, who tries his best to keep his cards close to his chest when it comes to injuries.
If Tonali is injured then Howe will be forced to make one change to his midfield. That is expected anyway, with Sean Longstaff reportedly likely to come into the side this weekend.
Who he replaces remains to be seen, but Howe’s decision will be much easier if he is unable to pick Tonali.
Regardless, his position is under threat following a poor performance against Brighton. Tonali struggled on south coast, and was at fault for the Seagulls’ first goal. His limp clearance, which Alan Shearer said was ‘lazy’, led to Evan Ferguson finding the net.
Despite his previous showing, losing the Toon number eight would be a real blow, and he will be desperate to not miss too much football – especially with a return to AC Milan imminently on the horizon.
Newcastle head to the San Siro next week, and Tonali will be eager to face his former club. However, that is now in doubt following Howe’s injury update.
