Newcastle United are facing yet another worrying moment in a season already filled with highs, setbacks and constant battles with injuries. This time the concern surrounds Sandro Tonali, who was forced off at half-time during the 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur.
With a crucial Premier League match against Burnley approaching this Saturday, the midfielder’s fitness has become a major talking point at St James’ Park.
Tuesday night was supposed to be a chance for Newcastle to push for a third consecutive league win. Instead, the match ended in frustration. Substitute Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon both scored to put Newcastle ahead twice, only for Cristian Romero to drag Tottenham back each time, with his final equaliser arriving deep into stoppage time.
The dropped points felt like a defeat for a team that had worked hard, taken risks and looked in control for spells of the game.
Tonali, who returned to the starting line-up along with Jacob Murphy after beginning the Everton match on the bench, lasted only one half before being replaced by Guimaraes.
Speaking after the game, Eddie Howe confirmed that Tonali had taken a knock during the first 45 minutes. At this stage, even the head coach could not explain exactly what type of injury it was or how serious it might be. His only certainty was that the midfielder was unable to continue.
Howe admitted the situation was frustrating but unavoidable, explaining that Tonali simply could not push through the discomfort. He acknowledged that more assessment would be needed before the club could offer a clearer update.
For Newcastle supporters, who have seen Tonali show glimpses of his class since returning from suspension, the uncertainty is bound to be unsettling. With fixtures piling up and the squad already stretched, every player is vital especially someone with Tonali’s skill and influence in midfield.
The decision to start without Guimaraes also raised eyebrows before kick-off. The Brazilian is usually one of the first names on Howe’s team sheet, but the manager explained that the packed schedule meant rotation was essential.
Newcastle will play seven matches in just 25 days, and Howe was keen to make sure his captain remains at peak physical condition throughout the run of games. He stressed that the plan was to give the midfield a fresh balance without disrupting its structure too heavily, and he felt the first half performance had been solid.
Guimaraes proved his importance immediately after coming on. His energy, drive and urgency lifted the team, and he eventually scored a beautifully taken goal his fourth of the season, with all of them coming at the Gallowgate End.
Howe praised him for the quality of the finish and for the impact he had on the match overall, saying that the midfielder’s passion and intensity changed the rhythm of the game.
But despite scoring, Guimaraes made it clear he left the pitch disappointed rather than proud. He admitted he would gladly trade his goal for three points and described the mood in the dressing room as deeply unhappy.
He said the late equaliser was painful to accept and that conceding in the final minutes has become a worrying habit that needs to be fixed quickly. He also criticised himself for not reacting faster during the final scramble that led to Romero’s goal. His words reflected accountability, frustration and a determination to put things right.
The midfielder stressed that the team must stop letting results slip in the dying moments, insisting that it is not healthy and not acceptable for a club with their ambitions.
He felt Newcastle had been the better side, which made the late disappointment even harder to swallow.
With Burnley up next, Newcastle must regroup quickly. The focus now shifts to Tonali’s condition and whether he will be available. Howe and his medical team will be hoping for good news, but until then, the tension around the midfielder’s fitness adds another layer of uncertainty to a demanding and emotionally draining week for the club.
