Newcastle United are set to be without Sven Botman for Wednesday night’s Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund, and now another key player could be missing.
But while Botman is due to miss out because of injury, it is a different story for Sandro Tonali.
The 23-year-old is currently being investigated by the Italian Football Federation for betting, while his agent has admitted that his client is suffering from a gambling addiction.
Tonali looks set to receive a ban, but was eligible to play in Saturday’s 4-0 win over Crystal Palace. He came off the bench during the emphatic victory, and received an incredible ovation from the Toon Army.
However, that game could now be Tonali’s last for a long time.
Sandro Tonali ‘unlikely’ to play vs Borussia Dortmund
According to the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope, an announcement regarding Tonali’s ban is likely to be made before Wednesday’s Champions League game against Borussia Dortmund. Hope states that Tonali is therefore ‘unlikely’ to be involved.
He wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter): “No announcement on Sandro Tonali ban expected tonight [Monday], but understanding is it will come before Wednesday, meaning he is unlikely to play against Dortmund.”
Newcastle will be forced into Champions League change
Tonali has started both of Newcastle’s Champions League games so far, and was particularly impressive during the victory over Paris Saint-Germain earlier this month.
However, it looks like it will not be a hat-trick of Champions League starts for the Italy international.
That means that Eddie Howe will likely stick with the midfield trio that started Saturday’s win over Crystal Palace. In that game, Sean Longstaff and Bruno Guimaraes were joined by Joelinton after his recovery from injury.
The 27-year-old looks set to make his first Champions League appearance of the season, while Elliot Anderson will provide support from the bench.
It is a shame that Tonali looks set to miss the game, but the sooner his future is resolved the better. No matter what happens, Newcastle United players, staff and fans will rally around him and support him all the way.
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