Tonali left the pitch after 56 minutes, received on-field treatment, and was substituted for Joe Willock, needing assistance to return to the dugout.

At the time of the injury, Barcelona led 4-2, as the incident occurred while Tonali chased a ball to defend and clear it for a corner.

In the league context, Newcastle sit ninth, two points above Sunderland, who have won just one of their last five league matches, heightening the derby’s stakes.

Newcastle are aiming to recover in time for the St James’ Park derby on Sunday, with Tonali’s fitness status potentially pivotal for their plans.

The World Cup playoff winner advances to a group with Canada, Switzerland, and Qatar as co-hosts, shaping Italy’s path to qualification.

Tonali has been a regular starter for Italy and a key factor in their qualification efforts since their last World Cup appearance in 2014.

Barcelona had extended the lead to 6-2 after Tonali’s injury, with Robert Lewandowski scoring a header from a corner as the tie moved toward a likely quarterfinal progression for Barca.

Sunderland are dealing with multiple injuries ahead of the weekend, further complicating the derby dynamics.

Italy’s World Cup playoff schedule positions them to host Northern Ireland in Bergamo on March 26, with the winner then facing Wales or Bosnia-Herzegovina a few days later.

A left thigh injury to Sandro Tonali suffered while defending a Barcelona cross early in the second half of the Champions League tie raises concerns for Italy's World Cup qualifying playoffs, with his availability in doubt.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said Tonali is likely a doubt for the upcoming fixture against Sunderland due to the injury.

Newcastle were eliminated from the competition with a 7-2 defeat to Barcelona in that match.