Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali's chances of facing Benfica have been weighed up by head coach Eddie Howe.

The Italy international did not feature in this afternoon's open training session and Howe could be left looking for a replacement. Tonali has featured prominently for Newcastle and Italy this season and has barely been rested by Howe.

But he may be left with no choice against the side from Portugal with Howe knowing that Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes coming off the back of the Brighton game looking tired.

Howe, speaking at his Press conference ahead of the Benfica clash, said: "A bit of illness with Sandro, so he will be touch and go for the game.

"We will give him every opportunity. He wasn't there today and he is such an important player so we will give him all the hours we have."

Howe has also reflected on Newcastle's start to the season with the Magpies sitting in the bottom half of the table.

He said: "Frustrating is the feeling. We are so close to being something more and getting better results. Team performances have been strong but there were a couple of lapses against Brighton.

"We are working hard to create chances and the best example of that is the goal. It has come from the goalkeeper and we have worked hard to get that goal. You make your own luck and we aren't far away."

St James' Park came alive for the last Champions League game against Barcelona despite the 2-1 defeat on Tyneside. And Howe knows the crowd will be massive against Benfica, he said: "It is always one of the defining things. The crowd can inspire us and make a difference and when it is a tight game you are banking on that making a difference."