Newcastle United are now in a much stronger position with Sandro Tonali back from suspension.
The midfielder has made two Newcastle United appearances this season, after his 10-month ban came to an end.
Sandro Tonali was serenaded by Newcastle fans as he made his comeback against Nottingham Forest last Wednesday, playing just over an hour in his first match in almost a year.
Sunday saw the 24-year-old make his St James’ Park return, and Eddie Howe believes Tonali provided the spark that helped Newcastle beat Tottenham Hotspur.
The reaction he got from the fans was incredible, while Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton could not stop signing ‘Sandro, ole, ole, ole’.
Sandro Tonali named in Italy squad
But just as Sandro Tonali makes his Newcastle United return, he is taken away again.
That is because it is the international break, and he has been named in Luciano Spalletti’s Italy side for Nations League games against France and Israel.
Despite not completing 90 minutes, Tonali is already back in the Italy squad, and Spalletti has explained why he decided to pick Newcastle’s midfield maestro.
“Tonali trained regularly [during his ban],” he said.
“He is a player we have a lot of faith in, so he is coming with us.
“He is one of those who I have spoken to probably more than anyone else in this recent period, the boy has done a lot of reflecting and this is another reason to bring him with us.”
Italy callup is great news for Newcastle United and Tonali
Whenever players go away on international duty, there is always a fear that they will come back injured.
However, it is actually a massive positive that Tonali has been named in the Italy squad.
While it means he will not be training on Tyneside, it is a chance for him to continue building up his match fitness.
In terms of training, he has been doing that for the past 10 months, as Spalletti says. What he is lacking is sharpness, and he will only get that from playing competitive games.
That is why it should be hugely beneficial that Tonali has been named in the Italy squad. Hopefully he features in both games, and that should make him even more prepared for Newcastle’s first Premier League game back after the break against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Newcastle have the opposite situation with Fabian Schar
While Newcastle will be happy that Tonali is away on international duty and representing his country, it is a different situation regarding Fabian Schar.
He would ordinarily be representing Switzerland right now, but the Toon defender recently announced his retirement from international football.
That means that Schar only has to focus on his domestic duties, at a time when Newcastle United are light on centre-backs. The hope was that Marc Guehi would join the club, but that transfer collapsed due to Crystal Palace’s asking price.
It means that Schar is under pressure to stay fit, as he prepares to make his return from suspension in Newcastle’s next game at Molineux.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
