Newcastle boss Eddie Howe believes Sandro Tonali is even fitter at the end of his betting suspension than he was at the start of it.
The 24-year-old Italy international is in the final 24 hours of a 10-month ban handed down by the Italian Football Federation for breaching betting rules.
“He’ll definitely be in the squad providing he comes through training” 🚨
Eddie Howe confirms Sandro Tonali is in Newcastle squad to face Nottingham Forest tomorrow in the League Cup after 10-month ban for breaching betting rules ⚫⚪ pic.twitter.com/qhAc6hnNLp
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 27, 2024
In addition to the suspension, Tonali was fined nearly £17,500 for gambling on football matches during his time with AC Milan.
In May Tonali was also handed a two-month ban by the English FA after he was found to have gambled on football following his switch to Tyneside from the San Siro, including bets on four Newcastle matches.
That ban was suspended until the end of the 2024/25 season and would only be invoked if he breaches betting regulations again.
Newcastle head to the City Ground to face Nottingham Forest in the EFL Cup second round on Wednesday night (8pm kick-off), the first day Tonali is eligible to return to action.
Howe told a pre-match media conference: “He’ll definitely be in the squad providing he comes through training (on Tuesday).
“He’s fit. He just hasn’t had the match time, the 11 v 11, which players will tell you is the most important thing within the game.
“He’s done everything else. He’s worked incredibly hard with the sports science team to be on top of his fitness and to make sure he’s fitter than he was when he was banned.”
He added: “When you have a long time out you have a long time to analyse and reflect. Now it is just back to doing what he loves. It will be an incredible release for him.
“He has to play to his strengths and not do anything too out of the ordinary.”
Next up for the Magpies is the visit of Tottenham in the Premier League on Sunday, September 1 (1.30pm).
