Tonali injury update from Newcastle United, as Italy concerned | OneFootball

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe confirms Italy international Sandro Tonali ‘has a groin, sort of hip problem’ after going off injured against Barcelona.

The midfielder was in the starting XI at Camp Nou for tonight’s Champions League clash, but was forced off clutching the side of his left thigh following a crunching tackle.

Newcastle United went on to lose 7-2 on the night and were eliminated from the Round of 16.

Tonali concern grows for Italy

BARCELONA, SPAIN – MARCH 18: Marc Bernal of FC Barcelona is challenged by Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between FC Barcelona and Newcastle United FC at Camp Nou on March 18, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

With the World Cup play-offs coming up against Northern Ireland, Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso will be anxious to know if the problem for Tonali is serious.

Speaking to the media after the match, Newcastle manager Howe was asked if Tonali was a doubt for this weekend’s game against Sunderland.

“Yeah, I’d say he’s a doubt,” replied Howe.

“It looks like he’s got a groin, sort of hip problem. I thought he performed really well in the first half and we really missed him in that second period.”

Italy have already lost Mattia Zaccagni today for the World Cup play-offs, as the Lazio wide attacker was ruled out for several weeks by a muscular injury.

Marco Verratti, who had been tipped for a potential call-up, has also sustained an injury and will not be available for the Azzurri.