Is Sandro Tonali available for Newcastle against Crystal Palace? Eddie Howe provides update on Italian amid betting investigation

It has been confirmed that the Italy international - who left the Azzurri’s latest squad alongside Aston Villa star Nicolo Zaniolo after it emerged that their off-field activities were being looked into – is being investigated by the Italian Prosecutor's Office and the Italian football federation.

Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli has been hit with a seven-month suspension for breaching betting regulations, with no official ruling delivered as yet on Tonali – who joined Newcastle from AC Milan over the summer for £55 million ($67m).

With there no ban in place at present, Magpies boss Eddie Howe has stated that Tonali will form part of his plans for a Premier League meeting with Crystal Palace on Saturday. He has said of the 23-year-old midfielder: “He's had a very, very difficult couple of weeks and has been dealing with a lot. From what I can see he's handling himself really well and dealing with his emotions strongly but I'll have to make a call. I have to bring it back to football and what he's delivering on the pitch to try to make the best decision for the team. For me, the most important part of this whole incident is Sandro and his welfare. We feel as a football club, straight away, it was to throw our arms round him and protect him to give him the love and support he needs to find solutions to the problems he has. He's trained twice this week with us and he's very much available for selection.”

Tonali’s agent, Giuseppe Riso, has admitted that his client has been suffering from “betting addiction”, with the Italian reportedly revealing to prosecutors that he did place wagers on AC Milan games during his time at San Siro.