JAKARTA - Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali suffered an injury against Barcelona in the second leg of the Champions League 16th round on Thursday, March 19, 2026, early morning WIB.
The news is certainly worrying for the Italian National Team (Timnas) which in the next eight days will play the Second Round of the 2026 World Cup Qualification to compete for a place in the final round of this summer's tournament.
Tonali appeared to suffer a left thigh injury while chasing the ball to intercept Fermin Lopez and produce a corner kick.
"Sandro is doubtful. He has groin and hip problems. He played well in the first half and we missed him a lot when he came out," said Newcastle United's Mananjer Eddie Howe after the match.
Tonali has long been expected to start for Italy as the four-time world champions look to play at the World Cup for the first time since 2014.
Italy will host Northern Ireland on March 26, 2026 at the Atleti Azzurri d'Italia Stadium, Bergamo, and the winner will travel to face Wales or Bosnia-Herzegovina five days later.
The winner of this second round of the European Zone Qualification will enter the 2026 World Cup group with co-hosts Canada, Switzerland, and Qatar.
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