Sandro Tonali injury: When Newcastle United star is expected to return
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe issues Sandro Tonali injury update.
Sandro Tonali should be fine to feature in either of Newcastle United’s St James’ Park matches this weekend.
Newcastle host Espanyol on Friday night (kick-off 7:30pm) before going up against fellow Champions League side Atletico Madrid in the Sela Cup on Saturday (kick-off 4pm).
Eddie Howe’s squad will be split into two teams to ensure all players get a good amount of minutes ahead of the Premier League opener away to Aston Villa in 10 days’ time.
Eddie Howe provides Sandro Tonali update
Tonali took a knock to the knee in last Wednesday’s 1-0 defeat to Team K-League and that forced him to stay on the bench for the 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
But Newcastle boss Howe has reassured supporters that Tonali wasn’t used as a precaution, offer major hope of the Italian appearing this weekend. It is Newcastle’s first game at St James’ Park since securing Champions League qualification on the final day of last season.
“He’s fine, there is no issue there, it was just precautionary,” Howe told Mail Sport in Seoul. “He wanted to play but it was my decision to hold him back a little bit and just make sure his knee is OK.”
Howe’s squad landed back in England on Monday morning and were given until Wednesday off.
Sven Botman and Joe Willock latest
Sven Botman missed both matches in South Korea after feeling his thigh during the 3-2 defeat to Arsenal at the Singapore National Stadium. But he too could make an appearance this weekend.
"We didn't think it was a serious injury at the time, which has been confirmed in the scan,” Howe said. “He definitely won't play tomorrow but whether he plays a part in the Tottenham game, let's wait and see. Possibly not, but then we hope he can be available for the double-header leading into the first game."
However, there’s no chance of Joe Willock being involved after the midfielder was stretchered off against Team K-League with an Achilles issue.
Although the injury isn’t serious - excellent news for the player whose 2023-24 campaign was blighted with the same issue - he is expected to miss the next four to weeks.
Howe explained: "We initially feared he could have injured part of his Achilles, but thankfully that wasn't the case, But it looks like he's got a problem with a muscle in the calf.
"So we feel the injury isn't as serious as maybe first feared, which is great news for Joe, but it's still going to keep him out for a number of weeks. How many we're not sure, but early diagnosis is looking four to six, which, although being a blow, is probably much better than the initial thought. So some positive news on Joe Willock."