Sandro Tonali is very close to making his Newcastle United comeback after being banned for betting.
The midfielder was Newcastle United‘s marquee signing last summer, arriving from AC Milan for £55million. It made him one of Newcastle’s most expensive signings ever, sitting second behind Alexander Isak.
But while Isak has been able to prove he was worth the huge fee he cost, it has been a different story for Sandro Tonali.
He has not played since October, having received a 10-month ban for betting after being investigated by the Italian Football Federation. There were also fears that Tonali’s ban could be extended by the FA for betting breaches during his time as a Newcastle United player, but fortunately that did not happen.
It has been an extremely challenging period for the Italy international, but his suspension will soon be lifted. Tonali is like a new signing for Newcastle, and it will not be long before he represents the club once again.
Newcastle drawn against Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup
With Tonali’s 10-month ban set to come to an end this month, it has looked like Tonali’s return match will be the Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur on September 1st.
However, the Magpies will be in action a few days earlier. Eddie Howe’s side are competing in the second round of the Carabao Cup, and have been drawn away to Nottingham Forest.
That fixture will take place the week commencing August 26th.
What Newcastle have said about Sandro Tonali
There has been confusion over Tonali’s return date. Newcastle had initially stated that he would be available from August 27th, while the FA had a different date.
In the document the FA released regarding Tonali’s charges for betting during his time as a Newcastle player, it states that he is banned until August 29th.
That would mean he would miss the Nottingham Forest game, which is likely to take place on August 27th or August 28th.
Now the club have weighed in, and provided details of exactly what Tonali will be available to play again.
Newcastle United have stated on their official website that Tonali will be available to feature on August 28th, with August 27th the final day of his suspension.
That means that Tonali may or may not feature in the Carabao Cup against Nottingham Forest. It depends when the fixture will take place.
It is a confusing situation, but one that could result in Tonali having to wait until the Tottenham game to play again. But if Nottingham Forest vs Newcastle is scheduled for August 28th then we could see the Italian earlier than anticipated.
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