Absent Newcastle United star given return fixture following Premier League schedule release

Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali has been missing from action since October 2023 after being found guilty of breaching betting regulations.

As a result of the release of the Premier League schedule for the 2024/25 season, Tonali's first game back from suspension could be against Tottenham Hotspur on August 31.

This is just three games into the Premier League season. Without sounding cliche, Tonali will be "like a new signing" for Toon boss Eddie Howe who could only play the Italian marquee signing in 12 games in all competitions last season.

Despite this, the 24-year-old made an instant impact on Tyneside, scoring six minutes into his debut in a 5-1 win against Aston Villa on opening day.

Image: Getty

Tonali must adapt to life in the Premier League again

In October 2023, Tonali was handed a 10-month ban for breaching betting regulations and hasn't been able to take part in any football-related activity since.

He won't feature in the Magpies' tour of Japan this summer or any other pre-season games in front of a crowd.

However, the Italian is eligible to play in behind-closed-doors games.

It was revealed that Newcastle will be doing a camp at Adidas' state-of-the-art HQ which could see them play a friendly, Tonali would be able to feature.

Eddie Howe isn't concerned about Tonali's return

After Tonali was given a two-month suspended sentence by the FA in May, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe opened up about his progress.

"He’s able to learn and develop to the English style and ultimately it could be something that he looks back on in a few years’ time and goes, ‘Actually, you know what? That helped me settle into England.” Howe said.

Newcastle fans eagerly await the return of Tonali, but for now, they must be patient and hope that he can hit the ground running when the time comes.