Sandro Tonali is not the only player who could make his Newcastle comeback vs Nottingham Forest

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Newcastle United are only going to be without Sandro Tonali for one more game.

The Magpies face Bournemouth in the Premier League on Sunday, and that is set to be the final match that Sandro Tonali will miss during his 10-month ban for betting.

Tonali has been unavailable since October 27th 2023, but is now closing in on his comeback. Newcastle United announced that Tonali is able to play from August 28th, which lines up perfectly with the Magpies’ Carabao Cup second round tie.

Newcastle United have been drawn against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, with the game set to take place on August 28th.

It is going to be great to see Tonali back in action, and the Carabao Cup is the perfect stage to thrust the Italy international back into starting lineup. Tonali will be like a new signing for Newcastle, even if it is a cliché.

However, he is not the only Newcastle United player who could make a long-awaited comeback against Nottingham Forest next Wednesday night.

Matt Targett could join Sandro Tonali in making a Newcastle United comeback vs Nottingham Forest

Tonali has not played since October, while Matt Targett has been absent since November.

But Tonali has been suspended, while Targett has been out of action with injury. He suffered a hamstring injury on November 1st 2023, as Newcastle beat Man United 3-0 at Old Trafford in the Carabao Cup.

The 28-year-old has not played a senior game since, having also suffered an Achilles injury after recovering from his hamstring problem.

But Targett is back in training for Newcastle United now, while he played 45 minutes for the Under-21s on Monday night as they drew 1-1 with Sunderland.

Matt Targett eyeing Carabao Cup return

Now Targett is aiming to make his senior return, and is eyeing up the Carabao Cup clash with Nottingham Forest.

He spoke to NUFC TV after representing Newcastle’s Under-21s, and was asked what is next on his agenda after returning to fitness.

“Carry on training, get sharpness back into the legs,” he said.

“We have a couple of big days next week. It will be important to carry on building on my fitness and hopefully look forward to the cup game.

“But obviously Bournemouth is first so we’ll focus on that and then I can try and be available for the cup.”

Targett added: “That’s what I’m aiming for [to return in the Carabao Cup]. Hopefully it can be an injury free season.”

Carabao Cup is the perfect stage for Targett to return

All eyes will be on Tonali, but the upcoming Carabao Cup clash with Nottingham Forest is the perfect stage for Targett to keep building up his match fitness.

He has missed a lot of football, and it is great to see him fit and available again.

However, it remains to be seen what the future holds for him. Lewis Hall has started the season at left-back, while Newcastle United have also got Lloyd Kelly who can play in that position.

As it stands, Targett might be the third choice left-back at St James’ Park, which is not at ideal at this stage in his career.

That may leave him with a decision to make before the summer transfer window closes. It could be that he seeks a move away from Newcastle if he feels he is not going to feature as much as he would like during the 2024/25 campaign.

But Targett’s primary focus is on proving his fitness ahead of Newcastle’s Carabao Cup clash with Nottingham Forest, on a night that could see Sandro Tonali make his long-awaited return to action.