Why Italy star Tonali will not play in Chelsea vs. Newcastle United | OneFootball

Italy international Sandro Tonali is not in the Newcastle United squad travelling for this evening’s game with Chelsea, raising questions on his fitness ahead of the World Cup play-offs.

The Premier League clash is due to kick off at Stamford Bridge at 17.30 GMT and Tonali had been expected to start the match.

Instead, he is not even on the bench, and the official club website confirms that his absence is due to illness.

Tonali out of Newcastle United squad

Sandro Tonali plays for Italy in Moldova during the 2026 World Cup qualifier (@azzurri)

According to Sky Sports UK, this is the same virus that also forced Newcastle United to leave Anthony Gordon and Nick Woltemade at home recently.

Both those players are back in the starting XI, so that suggests it should only be a short-term issue.

MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 16: Gennaro Gattuso, Head Coach of Italy, looks on prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Norway at San Siro Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

This will be reassuring for Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso, who is set to name his squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup play-offs.

Arguably, the 25-year-old could do with some rest, having already played 46 competitive games at club level so far this season.

Tonali scored three goals and provided seven assists this term in the Newcastle United jersey.