Sandro Tonali
NEWItaly
Right
May 8, 2000
25
5'11"
174 lb
CM
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Deep-Lying Playmaker
NewcastleReturns to action with Italy
Tonali (groin) started and scored in Thursday's World Cup playoff match against Northern Ireland.
Analysis: Tonali was able to recover quickly from a groin ailment, as expected, after sitting out the previous Premier League contest. He has gotten the nod in the last nine matches he was available for, sending in at least one cross in each of them, racking up 33 deliveries (nine accurate) and adding 20 corners and 15 key passes during that stretch, with three goals and two assists. Furthermore, he has tallied at least one tackle in his last three displays, amassing four (three won).
Out versus Sunderland
Tonali (groin) isn't an option for Sunday's game against Sunderland.
Analysis: Tonali was in jeopardy after suffering a muscular injury midweek and has ultimately been ruled out. He could return to action with Italy during the international break. Joelinton and Jacob Ramsey are patrolling the midfield from the jump.
Late fitness decision
Tonali (groin) is a late fitness decision ahead of Sunday's derby against Sunderland, according to coach Eddie Howe. "We will wait and see on Sandro, it is maybe not as bad as first feared. We will see how he is today and make a decision closer to the game."
Analysis: Tonali picked up a groin edema during the Champions League clash against Barcelona Wednesday, but the issue isn't as serious as initially feared, with the midfielder expected back in training Friday and set to be a late fitness call ahead of Sunday's derby against the Black Cats. He'll be pushing hard to get the green light before kickoff given his locked-in role as a midfield anchor for the Magpies, and if he can't go, the midfield setup would need a shakeup with Joe Willock and Joelinton the most likely duo to step into those deeper roles in the middle of the park.
Questionable to play Sunday
Tonali (groin) suffered an edema in the UEFA Champions League loss to Barcelona on Wednesday and could be an option to play Sunday against Sunderland, according to Sky Sport Italy.
Analysis: Tonali was subbed off during the second half of Wednesday's 7-2 loss to Barca, but further tests revealed the injury wasn't as serious as initially thought. A decision on his availability for the weekend will be made closer to Sunday's 8 a.m. ET kickoff, and it remains to be seen if he'll be available to play for Italy in the upcoming World Cup playoffs later this month. Not having Tonali would be a huge blow for Newcastle since they're already missing another key midfielder in Bruno Guimaraes (hamstring).
Suffers groin injury Wednesday
Tonali left the pitch after receiving treatment for a groin issue during Wednesday's UCL match against Barcelona, with coach Eddie Howe confirming that "It could be a problem for us.", Lee Ryder of The Chronicle reports.
Analysis: Tonali appeared to pick up a serious blow, making his participation in upcoming contests a big doubt. It was his return to the initial lineup after a one-game absence due to illness, but he had a quiet outing before his withdrawal. Joe Willock took his place after the injury and could see an increased role if Tonali joins Bruno Guimaraes (hamstring) on the sidelines for the next clash against Sunderland.
Starting Wednesday
Tonali (illness) is in the starting XI for Wednesday's match against Barcelona.
Analysis: Tonali had to miss the last match due to illness, but is back with his team Wednesday after passing some late testing. He will remain in a starting role as he remains fit, one of the club's typical three starting midfielders. He will need a big match to defeat Barcelona, as the midfielder will have a huge role in the defense and attack.
To be checked Wednesday
Tonali is questionable for Wednesday's match against Barcelona after missing their last match due to an illness, according to manager Eddie Howe. "We'll have a look at it today. Today's the first day we've seen him. (It's) an opportunity for hopefully him to train, if he feels strong enough. We'll make a decision tomorrow."
Analysis: Tonali was out over the weekend with an illness and is now trending towards being an option Wednesday, although he will need to pass some testing. This is huge news for the club, as they are already without a few midfield options, potentially losing another for a huge match. If he were to miss out, Joelinton, Jacob Ramsey and Joe Willock would likely start in the midfield, although Tonali will hopefully be an option.
Option against Barcelona
Tonali has shaken off the illness that ruled him out against Chelsea and is back in contention for Wednesday's Champions League second leg against Barcelona, according to Craig Hope of the Daily Mail.
Analysis: Tonali missed Saturday's clash against Chelsea due to illness but looks set to shake it off quickly, with the midfielder reportedly traveling to Barcelona on Tuesday morning and now in the mix for Wednesday's Champions League second leg against the Blaugranas. That's a massive boost for the Magpies, as the Italian is trending toward a return to the starting XI at the perfect time. They'll need him at full strength if they want to lock in their spot in the next round.
Ruled out Saturday
Tonali (illness) is ruled out for Saturday's clash against Chelsea.
Analysis: Tonali is ruled out for Saturday's clash against Chelsea due to illness. The midfielder is an important piece in the middle of the park and his absence could be felt, having scored one goal and provided three assists in 39 appearances across all competitions this season. Jacob Ramsey and Joe Willock start in midfield in his absence.
Might be rested in cup play
Tonali was forced off late during Wednesday's 2-1 victory against Manchester United due to cramps and might be rested during Saturday's FA Cup clash against Manchester City, according to coach Eddie Howe, per Scott Wilson from The Northern Echo. "I think it was just cramp with Sandro. But he's a player who is playing every week, executing everything he can. We've got a lot of players who are maxed out. We've got to be careful and manage the squad. We've got so many big games to come, and we don't have a deep squad. It's going to be an interesting selection and decisions for the weekend."
Analysis: Tonali was forced off late in Wednesday's clash against Manchester United due to cramps after a heavy workload this season, as the midfielder has barely missed any games and has rarely been given a rest. He could be handed a breather during Saturday's FA Cup showdown against Manchester City following recent comments from coach Eddie Howe, with an eye on keeping him fully fit for the crucial Champions League meetings with Barcelona over the next two weeks. If Tonali ends up sitting out, Joe Willock could be in line for increased minutes in central midfield for the Magpies.
Assists against Everton
Tonali assisted once to go with two shots (one on goal), five crosses (one accurate) and three corners in Saturday's 3-2 loss to Everton.
Analysis: Tonali delivered a well placed pass to Jacob Ramsey outside the box for the goal. It was just his second Premier League goal contribution of the season, though he has still shown attacking upside from a defensive midfield role with 27 shots and 23 chances created. However, the results have not always followed, and defensively he has struggled at times along with the Newcastle United back line, who have conceded 42 goals in 28 league matches. Tonali will next face Manchester United, who sit third in the table, making it a difficult matchup.
Scores first UCL goal
Tonali scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal), seven crosses (four accurate) and six corners in Tuesday's 3-2 victory versus Qarabag.
Analysis: Tonali opened the scoring after just four minutes, netting his first Champions League goal and his third in all competitions this season following his brace in the last FA Cup outing against Aston Villa. Across his last five starts in all competitions, the midfielder has registered seven shots, created six chances and delivered 19 crosses, while also contributing nine tackles defensively.
Brace in FA Cup
Tonali has started in all but one game since the turn of the new year and has recorded two goals in that time.
Analysis: Tonali has been an everyday starter for Newcastle the past few months after some injuries affected the squad, one of the few midfielders able to remain fit lately. He has not been the most prosperous when it comes to goal contributions, but found a stroke of form in FA Cup play on Saturday, recording two goals in the win. This is a spot that should stick for Italian as he hopes to continue his success, yet to score a goal in league or UCL play, but has earned two assists.
Struggling with injuries
Tonali has been struggling with a variety of issues recently, manager Eddie Howe told reporters. "He's [Tonali] had a little bit of a bitty last couple of months. He had a bad illness which really knocked him, then he came back to fitness. Then he got a knock, I think it was the Tottenham game, so he's been a little bit in and out in terms of how he physically feels."
Analysis: Tonali has been in and out of the starting XI of late, and come off as a sub frequently in recent weeks. It seems that is due to a variety of minor issues that have built up and plagued the midfielder. He went an hour last time out against Sunderland before coming off after a poor showing. With the busy schedule rolling on, Tonali could be rotated or rested occasionally as Newcastle try to get him back to full fitness.
Returns to bench
Tonali (knock) is on the bench for Saturday's clash against Burnley.
Analysis: Tonali suffered a knock during the clash against Tottenham that left him dealing with a dead leg, now appears fit to play since he found a bench spot for Saturday's clash against the Clarets. While the Italian isn't fit to start the game or likely not being risked, he will still be available off bench for some minutes, depending on how the game unfolds.
Late call against Burnley
Tonali (knock) will be a late call for Saturday's clash against Burnley, coach Eddie Howe said in the press conference. "He's had a scan and we don't think it's too bad. We'll give him every chance to declare himself fit. It was a knock very similar to the one Joelinton suffered, a dead leg type feeling. Sandro felt it was concerning enough to get scanned but we'll see how he is today and we'll give him every chance to be fit."
Analysis: Tonali suffered knock during the clash against Tottenham that made him feel like a dead leg and the staff will give him every chance to make him fit for Saturday's clash against the Clarets. Tonali will hope to train on Friday and be cleared after the final training session to be deemed fit enough to make the squad. That said, if the Italian had to miss the game or start on the bench, Lewis Miley would likely get another starting chance in the midfield for the Magpies.
Forced off at break
Tonali (undisclosed) suffered a knock in the first half of Tuesday's 2-2 draw against Tottenham and was forced off at the break, coach Eddie Howe said in a press conference, according to Chronicle Live. "Sandro took a knock in the first half. I don't quite know the extent of the injury or what type of injury it is."
Analysis: Tonali will be assessed in the coming days to determine the extent of the issue he suffered after receiving a knock in the first half of Tuesday's draw against the Spurs. The Italian could not carry on after the break, raising some concerns and making him a doubt already for Saturday's game against Burnley. If Tonali had to miss the game or start on the bench, Lewis Miley will likely replace him in the starting midfield against the Clarets.
Back in training Wednesday
Tonali was active at training Wednesday morning with Newcastle after he returned from the Italian national team, according to Keith Downie of Sky Sports.
Analysis: Tonali had returned to England from Italy following a brief time with his national team, returning to the club after fearing an injury. However, the midfielder has avoided an injury and instead returned home due to a host of reasons, as he hosted a baby shower and was also one match from being banned due to yellow card accumulation ahead of the World Cup Playoffs. He does then appear ready for action moving forward for the club, set to play Saturday against Manchester City if he continues to train.
Seven crosses Sunday
Tonali had seven crosses (one accurate) and six corners in Sunday's 3-1 loss to West Ham United.
Analysis: Tonali recorded seven crosses and six corners Sunday, both of which marked his second-most this season, but he was not able to impact the match much. He only recorded one accurate cross and he did not record a shot or a chances created for the first time this season.
Assist in Carabao Cup
Tonali recorded an assist in Wednesday's 2-0 Carabao Cup win over Tottenham.
Analysis: Tonali was back in the starting XI Wednesday for his club after two games on the bench, with the midfielder playing the full 90 following an illness. He would go on to record an assist as well, finding Fabian Schar early in the match. The Italian should be cleared to return to his starting role moving forward now that he is fit, recording eight starts in nine league appearances this season while bagging an assist, although he is still without a goal.
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