Eddie Howe issues Sandro Tonali update ahead of Newcastle clash with Fulham | OneFootball

Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali has emerged as a doubt for Saturday’s Premier League clash against Fulham at St. James’ Park.

The Italian midfielder was an unused substitute in the thumping 3-0 Champions League win over Jose Mourinho’s Benfica side on Tuesday night.

The Magpies made sure the absence of their £55 million midfielder wasn’t felt as a first-half strike from Anthony Gordon and a second-half brace from Harvey Barnes put the Portuguese giants to the sword.

Howe was hoping to have Tonali back for Newcastle’s Premier League battle against a tricky opponent this weekend, but has confirmed that the midfielder is “touch and go”.

The English manager said that Tonali took part in team training on Wednesday but admitted that he is still not “100” after illness kept him out of Champions League action.

“Sandro is still the player we are monitoring,” Howe said during his pre-match press conference. “He did train but wasn’t feeling 100%. He will be touch and go.”

Howe also touched on Tonali’s contract situation with reports claiming that he signed a new contract while serving a ban for breaching betting rules last season.

The player wanted to repay the club’s faith and reportedly signed a new deal that will keep him in Tyneside until the summer of 2029.

There’s also an option to extend his contract further by an additional 12 months. Howe admitted that Tonali is happy at the club and stressed his importance to the team.

“A lot happened around the time he was banned,” Howe said. “A lot of discussions were had.

“Sandro has felt the love with everyone connected with the football club. He felt that love and support and needed it at the time. He has been brilliant for us.

“Sandro is happy, he is enjoying his football. He is integral to the team.”

Howe also delivered more good news on the injury front, confirming that full-back duo Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall have returned to training.

“Tino is back on the grass for the first time today, so happy for him,” he said. “Lewis is the same, on the grass and doing well, so hopefully he is not too far away.”