Sandro Tonali could feature in Premier League matches against Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham in the coming weeks.
Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali is set to make his Premier League return against Tottenham Hotspur later this month after the Tyneside club provided an update on the player's ban.
The Italy international has been out of action since receiving a ban from the sport last October from Italian authorities as a consequence of breaching betting regulations. That came just months after Newcastle United forked out £55 million to sign the player from AC Milan in a sizeable blow for the Magpies.
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Tonali made just 12 appearances for the club before being sidelined, scoring one goal which came on his Premier League debut against Aston Villa. Newcastle United provided an update on the ban after last night's Carabao Cup draw.
There had been confusion as to whether Tonali's ban would end on August 27 and August 29 due to an unclear FA document but the club has confirmed that the player will be eligible to play Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup on August 28 - as clarified by NewcastleWorld.
An official statement read: “Newcastle United can announce that Sandro Tonali will return to selection on Wednesday 28th August 2024 following the conclusion of his ten-month ban from competitive football.
“The club has received formal confirmation from the Federazione Italiana Giuoco Calcio (FIGC) that the player’s sporting sanction will run up to and including Tuesday 27th August. The Magpies will travel to Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup second round during the week commencing Monday 26th August (fixture date and time TBC), before hosting Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League at St. James’ Park on Sunday 1st September (kick-off 1:30 pm BST).”
That means that the visit of London outfit Tottenham Hotspur to Tyneside could be Tonali's first Premier League appearance in almost a year. The Magpies then travel to Fulham two Gameweeks later with a clash against Wolves between those fixtures.
Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur netted nine goals between them in their two Premier League meetings last season, Eddie Howe’s men winning at home 4-0 in April after Spurs triumphed 4-1 last December. Fulham played the North East side three times in competitive action last term and failed to score a single time, losing on an aggregate score of 6-0.
Howe revealed in pre-season that Tonali is 'focused' and looking sharp ahead of his potential comeback. He told reporters: "He's come back really fit, focused - you can see a change in his demeanour because he feels closer to playing. It looks to me like he's ready to play and make a difference.
“It does feel like a new signing. He will no doubt feel like he has objectives to hit. He came here with clear motivations, and he is someone who wants to do very well."