Newcastle XI vs Benfica – Starting lineup and injury latest as Sandro Tonali decision confirmed

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Sandro Tonali is only fit enough for the bench for Newcastle United’s Champions League clash with Benfica.

Tonali was a doubt for Newcastle United after missing training on Monday due to illness.

The Italian international suffered a knock while away on international duty and while he did play for 70 minutes during Newcastle’s loss to Brighton on Saturday, illness stopped him fully training. 

Eddie Howe does not risk the 25-year-old for the game. Lewis Miley comes into the starting lineup alongside Jacob Ramsey.

Jacob Murphy starts ahead of Anthony Elanga, while Joelinton drops out.

Joelinton and Elanga were taken off at half-time during the Brighton defeat and have been rested from the start ahead for the visit of Jose Mourinho’s Portuguese giants.

• READ MORE: Newcastle vs Benfica – Champions League prediction, kick-off time, TV, live stream and team news

Newcastle United confirmed team news vs Benfica

Speaking on Monday, Howe had confirmed that he wasn’t sure Tonali would feature.

“A bit of illness for Sandro so he will be touch and go for the game,” he said.

“We’ll give him every opportunity. He wasn’t there for training today. He’s such an important player so we’ll use all the hours we have.”

Outside of the Italian, there were no new absences for Newcastle ahead of Tuesday night’s game.

Newcastle United injuries vs Benfica

Newcastle’s injury list also contains Yoane Wissa, Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento. Hall and Wissa could return in November, while Livramento is likely to be ruled out until early December.

Harrison Ashby is also struggling with a thigh complaint, but he wasn’t registered in Newcastle’s Champions League squad.

Newcastle United starting lineup vs Benfica

Newcastle United starting XI vs Benfica: Pope; Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Burn; Guimaraes, Miley, Ramsey; Murphy, Woltemade, Gordon

Subs: Thompson, Ramsdale, Schar, Joelinton, Tonali, Barnes, Krafth, Osula, Elanga, Willock, Alex Murphy

Injured: Hall, Livramento, Wissa

Time and date: 8pm BST on Tuesday, 21 October, 2025

Venue: St James’ Park, Newcastle

TV channel and live stream: TNT Sports 2, TNT Sports Ultimate

Referee: Szymon Marciniak, Tomasz Kwiatkowski (VAR)