Newcastle United have announced that Sandro Tonali will be available for selection on Wednesday (August 28) after spending 10 months banned for violating FA’s betting rules. The Italian star was regarded as one of the Magpies’ most exciting acquisitions when he arrived from AC Milan for £55 million last summer but only appeared 12 times before his betting activity came to light.
Tonali, 24, missed the majority of the 2023-24 campaign and will miss Newcastle’s Premier League clashes with Southampton (August 17), Bournemouth (August 25), and a Carabao Cup second-round encounter with Nottingham Forest (August 27). His return could come when the Tyneside giants host Tottenham Hotspur at St James’ Park on September 1.
Newcastle confirmed Tonali’s return with a post on X/Twitter:
“We can announce that Sandro Tonali will return to selection on Wednesday, 28 August following the conclusion of his ten-month ban from competitive football.”
Eddie Howe had given an update on Tonali, who trained with his teammates during pre-season, and highlighted how he looks prepared to return. The Magpies boss told reporters:
“Sandro Tonali has come back really fit and focused. You can see a change in his demeanour. There is definitely a change in him, in terms of [how he is] feeling as he is closer to playing. It is very difficult when you have that stretch ahead of you and you are not going to play competitively for such a length of time. He now looks ready to play, ready to make a difference. He does feel like an absolute new signing and somebody who we desperately missed last year.”
What did Tonali’s agent say when Newcastle star was hit with a 10-month ban last year?
Tonali’s agent, Beppe Riso, spoke candidly about his client’s gambling addiction and how the Italy international was going to fight the illness after he was found guilty in October 2023. He said (via The Athletic):
“Sandro is a bit shaken up by the situation. But he’s already started to fight back. Sandro is a fighter. The biggest game has started against an illness. Sandro is used to big games and usually he wins them. Sandro’s experience will save the lives of other kids.”
Tonali isn’t the only high-profile Premier League player banned for breaching betting rules in recent years. Brentford’s Ivan Toney served an eight-month ban last season, while West Ham United’s Lucas Paqueta is under investigation. The FA is going to determine a ban for the Brazilian midfielder.