Sandro Tonali set to return! Newcastle confirm comeback date for Italy star after 10-month ban for breaching betting rules

In October of last year, Tonali received a 10-month suspension for breaches of betting rules relating to matches in Italy. He was then given a suspended two-month ban after admitting to violating the FA's betting rules in May. Tonali therefore missed the majority of the 2023-24 Premier League campaign and will not be available at the start of the upcoming season.

Newcastle have confirmed that Tonali will be able to officially play for the club from August 28. He has been training with Eddie Howe's squad throughout pre-season and is sharp and ready for his return to action, according to Magpies boss Eddie Howe.

Speaking to the media at the start of preseason, Howe said: "Sandro Tonali has come back really fit and focused. You can see a change in his demeanour. There is definitely a change in him, in terms of [how he is] feeling as he is closer to playing.

"It is very difficult when you have that stretch ahead of you and you are not going to play competitively for such a length of time. He now looks ready to play, ready to make a difference. He does feel like an absolute new signing and somebody who we desperately missed last year.

"He will feel like he has got points to prove, objectives to hit. He came here with very clear motivations to be successful. He is a deep thinker and someone who wants to do very well. I have no doubt he will."

The Italian will miss Newcastle's first two Premier League clashes of the season against Southampton and Bournemouth, but could potentially return to action during the Magpies' Carabao Cup clash against Nottingham Forest.