Sandro Tonali back in Newcastle United squad for Nottingham Forest trip after ten-month ban | Football

The Italian’s ten-month ban for breaking betting rules ends on Wednesday.

The ban related to breaches Tonali incurred while playing for AC Milan in Italy, though he was given a suspended sentence by the FA following further incursions since moving to the Magpies in August 2023.

Tonali has been back in training with the first team since pre-season, though he’s obviously short on match sharpness.

However, Howe says he could play at the Forest Ground in a bid to get him up to speed as soon as possible.

“He’s fit. He just hasn’t had the match time, the 11 v 11, which players will tell you is the most important thing within the game.

‘He’s done everything else. He’s worked incredibly hard with the sports science team to be on top of his fitness and to make sure he’s fitter than he was when he was banned.’

Newcastle beat Southampton on the opening weekend of the season, before drawing 1-1 with Bournemouth on Sunday.

Howe would like to add to his squad before the transfer window closes on Friday but he admits keeping players is just as important at this moment in time.

‘At the moment, keeping players [this week] is a success, as I sit here today,’ said Howe.

‘In terms of incomings, that work’s still going on behind the scenes. A few days left, I think everyone’s just trying their best to improve the squad.’

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