When will Sandro Tonali return? Newcastle confirm when star is back after lengthy betting ban

Newcastle have now confirmed when Sandro Tonali will be available for selection.

The Italian international swapped AC Milan for Tyneside last summer in a deal worth £55million, but after an incredible debut in which he scored, Tonali was soon banned for betting offences.

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The offences originated from his time in Italy, and he pleaded guilty to all of them, leading to a ten-month ban and a strict period of rehabilitation.

The Italian was later found guilty by the FA for placing a further 50 bets while he was in England.

For this, he was given a suspended sentence, meaning after his initial ban expires, Tonali will be free to return for the Magpies.

But Toon fans still have a little wait before he's back.

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When will Sandro Tonali return?

Tonali started his ban on October 26, 2023, meaning it stops at the end of August 2024, specifically Tuesday 27.

This meant he missed the Toon's opening home league games against Southampton and won't be available for the trip to Bournemouth either.

However, he will be available to make his Premier League return at St James' Park against Tottenham on Sunday, September 1.

But his first competitive fixture in ten months could actually be the Toon's trip to Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup second round on Wednesday, August 28.

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In a statement, the club said: "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."

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Of course, it's unlikely he'll be match-fit because part of his ban prevented him from playing in friendlies, but he was allowed to play in behind-closed-doors games.

Reports suggest he's played in two of those over the summer to keep some level of fitness.

Unlike Ivan Toney, who was stopped from training with his Brentford teammates for a period of his ban for betting offences, Tonali was allowed to train.

This should have helped him settle in and adapt to what Eddie Howe wants from him.

Before his ban, Tonali made a further 11 appearances for Newcastle after his debut and turned in some average displays, while off the pitch, he was struggling with a gambling addiction.

But with that extra training and with his gambling problem now under control, Tonali is expected to make a big impact for Newcastle this year.

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Howe believes he will prove to be like a new addition to the squad.

Speaking ahead of the Toon's campaign getting underway, Howe said: "He's come back really fit, focused - you can see a change in his demeanour because he feels closer to playing.

"It looks to me like he's ready to play and make a difference. It does feel like a new signing.

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"He will no doubt feel like he has objectives to hit.

"He came here with clear motivations, and he is someone who wants to do very well."