Newcastle United statement confirms major boost with Sandro Tonali return date announced

Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali is officially eligible to return to action later this month.

The Italian has been missing from action since October 2023 after breaching footballing betting regulations.

Now, a club statement has confirmed that Tonali will be available for selection on Wednesday 28 August, just in time for the Magpies Carabao Cup tie against Nottingham Forest.

Tonali's return should be taken with the typical "like a new signing" mantra because fans only got to see him play in eight games before his suspension.

Newcastle United confirm date for Sandro Tonali's return

A statement from the club read: Newcastle United can announce that Sandro Tonali will return to selection on Wednesday 28th August 2024 following the conclusion of his ten-month ban from competitive football.

The club has received formal confirmation from the Federazione Italiana Giuoco Calcio (FIGC) that the player’s sporting sanction will run up to and including Tuesday 27th August.

The Magpies will travel to Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup second round during the week commencing Monday 26th August (fixture date and time TBC), before hosting Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League at St. James' Park on Sunday 1st September (kick-off 1:30pm BST).

Sandro Tonali's Newcastle United career so far

Tonali made the move to Tyneside last summer for a near-club record fee of £55million. He was considered the marquee signing of the summer for the Magpies, a midfielder who would complete a formidable trio when partnered up with Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes.

He scored just six minutes into his Premier League debut, a stunning volley inside the box against Aston Villa.

His performance in that game has been a mere taste of what fans can expect. He also started in Newcastle's historic 4-1 win over PSG in the UEFA Champions League.

Now, with Tonali returning and no outside distractions fans will hope he will be an integral part of Eddie Howe's plans as they aim for European qualification again.