Newcastle United’s Champions League exit against Barcelona has sparked a new wave of rumors and speculation around several players, none more so than midfielder and Italy international Sandro Tonali.
The Daily Mail’s Craig Hope reported after the game against Barcelona that Tonali underwent an MRI scan after being forced off in Spain with an upper-leg issue affecting his groin, thigh, or hip area.
The results are described by Hope as positive, and it’s just a matter of swelling subsiding before a final
decision is made on when he will return, though it’s fair to expect a comeback right after the break, with a small-to-tiny chance he plays on Sunday.
Hope also addresses the growing frustration inside St James’ Park regarding the never-ending public comments from Tonali’s agent. According to Hope, there is “growing exasperation” at the repeated media comments made by the agent, though the club are aware they must handle the situation better than they did during Alexander Isak’s saga and not let it ruin another summer.
There is no indication Tonali is unhappy, but Hope suggests that if the player were to push for a move and a strong offer for him arrived at the Magpies’ table, then Newcastle will act earlier rather than later and sanction a move.
Hope’s personal verdict is clear: Tonali “could go this summer.”
