‘Magnificent’ Newcastle player has just handed Eddie Howe a major boost ahead of facing Wolves

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International breaks are usually frustrating, but this has been a rather positive one for Newcastle United.

Anthony Gordon excelled for England, starting both Nations League games on the back of a disappointing summer at the Euros.

Meanwhile, Alexander Isak scored three goals in two games for Sweden. Newcastle United’s most expensive signing ever looks in fine form, having netted his first Premier League goal of the season in the 2-1 win over Tottenham just before the break.

Even at youth level, Lewis Hall and Will Osula have impressed.

All of Newcastle United‘s internationals appear to have got through their commitments unscathed, which is a massive boost.

Sandro Tonali plays two full games after Newcastle United comeback

But the biggest boost of all has come from Sandro Tonali.

He has made two Newcastle United appearances this season, after his 10-month ban for betting came to an end.

It is great to have him back, but it has been unclear how long it will take him to fully get back up to speed. While Tonali has been training throughout his suspension, the only way to be match sharp is by playing matches.

Eddie Howe has been cautious so far. He started the 24-year-old in the Carabao Cup, but only used him as a substitute in the following Premier League contest.

However, Italy boss Luciano Spalletti has been much bolder with Tonali, asking Newcastle United’s number eight to play two full 90 minutes in the space of a few days.

Italy’s Tonali decision hands Eddie Howe a huge boost

Tonali was ‘magnificent’ in Italy’s win over France on Friday night, producing a breath-taking assist for Federico Dimarco. He then started on Monday night as well, with Tonali also playing well against Israel.

Tonali started both games, and he finished both games. It is the first time he has completed back-to-back 90 minutes since his final two matches as an AC Milan player.

To play 180 minutes in quick succession after such a lengthy ban is very impressive, and shows that there are no issues with Tonali’s fitness.

That should now give Eddie Howe confidence that he can start Tonali regularly, rather than ease him back into the side.

Tonali could even start as early as Sunday, when Newcastle face Wolves at Molineux. The £55million man will be available, and will be eager to be named in Howe’s starting XI.

However, despite proving his fitness in an Italy shirt, it would still be a bit of a surprise if Tonali starts against Wolves. It feels more likely that Howe will deploy Bruno Guimaraes alongside Joelinton and Sean Longstaff, who have both been training with the club during the international break and preparing for the trip to the West Midlands.