Eddie Howe has revealed that Sandro Tonali could still play for Newcastle against Wolves this weekend, despite facing a ten-month suspension for his involvement in illegal betting. The 23-year-old midfielder, who came off the bench against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday night, will be banned from football until the 2024/25 season.
However, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has stated that the club is yet to receive official confirmation of the ban. This means that Tonali could potentially play against Wolves on Saturday night. Howe explained, “It’s difficult because we haven’t had that official confirmation as a football club yet. We’ve heard the news and speculation statement, but we haven’t had anything from the Italian authorities at the moment, so we’re in limbo really waiting for that official confirmation to come through.”
Despite the uncertainty, Howe believes there is a high chance that Tonali could be available for the match. He mentioned that there are a few things that need to happen before the ban is imposed, so they will have to wait and see.
Italian football federation (FIGC) president Gabriele Gravina confirmed that an agreement has been reached between the FIGC Prosecutor and Tonali. The agreement includes a 10-month ban, eight months of rehab activities, and at least 16 public appearances.
Although Tonali will be banned from playing, he will still be allowed to train with his teammates at Newcastle during his suspension. This will enable him to maintain his fitness and stay connected with the team.
In light of Tonali’s impending absence, Newcastle is considering a loan move for former Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves. The Public Investment Fund (PIF), who own a controlling stake in Newcastle, also owns Al Hilal, the club for which Neves currently plays. This connection could facilitate a potential loan deal.
Additionally, Newcastle is exploring other options such as N’Golo Kante from Chelsea and Kalvin Phillips from Manchester City. However, due to financial fair play (FFP) restrictions, a permanent signing is unlikely.
Tonali has been a key player for Newcastle this season, making 12 appearances since his summer transfer from AC Milan. His absence will undoubtedly be felt by the team, but Howe and his staff are working on finding suitable replacements to fill the void.
In other Newcastle news, talkSPORT has launched a new match center where fans can stay up-to-date with all the latest fixtures, results, and live Premier League standings for Newcastle United. This comprehensive resource will provide fans with all the information they need to follow their favorite team.
As the situation with Tonali’s ban unfolds, Newcastle fans eagerly await official confirmation and hope that the midfielder will be available for the upcoming match against Wolves. The team will need to adapt and find alternative strategies if Tonali is unable to play. Nevertheless, with the support of their passionate fan base, Newcastle is determined to overcome any obstacles and continue their pursuit of success in the Premier League.