NEWCASTLE United midfielder Sandro Tonali is a fitness doubt ahead of the return of Premier League action and a reunion with AC Milan next week after suffering an injury while away on international duty with Italy.

The midfielder will miss tonight's crunch Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine in Milan with what has been described in his homeland as a "slight muscle injury."

Fresh reports in Italy on Tuesday morning claim Tonali has had further tests on the injury and is suffering with "muscle fatigue", with Newcastle having been made aware of his condition.

At this stage it's not clear whether he'll be fit to play against Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday evening, with Newcastle then set to kick-off their Champions League campaign away at Tonali's former club Milan next Tuesday.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is next due to speak to the media on Friday morning, by which stage Tonali will have returned to Tyneside.

The 23-year-old, who has started all four of Newcastle's Premier League games so far this season, played 89 minutes of Italy's disappointing 1-1 draw away at North Macedonia at the weekend.

That leaves Italy trailing Ukraine by three points, though they do have a game in hand, ahead of tonight's crucial meeting.

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After the weekend draw, Tonali told the Italian media: “It is not what we hoped for and not the result we wanted to take back home. Disappointment is natural, just as it is right that North Macedonia celebrate their result.

"But this is football, every game is difficult at international level. Now we need to get back on track, because in a few days there is another important match. We need to get back to being Italy.

“We controlled the game well and had numerous chances, but then were unable to deal with their reaction in the final 15 minutes. It’s a pity, as we allowed very few opportunities, but it was enough to pay for it with a draw.”