Eddie Howe has confirmed that Sandro Tonali will be included in Newcastle United's squad for Wednesday's EFL Cup second-round tie at Nottingham Forest.
The 24-year-old was handed a 10-month worldwide ban from football in October last year following an investigation from the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) into illegal betting offences during his time in his native Italy.
Tonali was also charged with 50 fresh betting breaches by the FA at the beginning of May for placing bets on football games between August 12, 2023 and October 12, 2023, after he completed his £55m transfer from AC Milan to Newcastle last summer.
During his 10-month ban, Tonali has undergone treatment for his gambling addiction and was allowed to train with his Newcastle teammates to stay in shape and maintain his fitness.
The midfielder's ban from competitive football has now ended, meaning that he is free to feature for Newcastle in Wednesday's encounter with Forest at the City Ground.
© Reuters
Tonali available to play for Newcastle against Forest
Asked at a press conference on Tuesday if Tonali would be available for selection against Forest, Howe said: "He will definitely be in the squad.
"He is fit, he just hasn't had the match (practice) - the most important thing with the game time. He has done everything else - he has worked incredibly hard to be on top of his fitness.
"I imagine (he will have) a range of emotions, a lot of excitement. When you have a long time out, you have a long time to analyse and reflect. Now it is just back to doing what he loves. It will be an incredible release for him.
"I want Sandro to come back and enjoy his football. He's really well liked by his teammates."
Tonali, who scored on his Premier League debut for Newcastle against Aston Villa at the start of last season, has not kicked a ball for the Magpies since the 1-0 Champions League defeat by Borussia Dortmund at St James' Park on October 25.
© Imago
Five Newcastle players remain unavailable for selection
One player who will not be available for selection is striker Callum Wilson as he continues to recover from a back injury.
"Callum is continuing his rehabilitation from injury - I am happy with his progress. He is working very hard, as he always does," said Howe.
"We miss him, he adds a different dynamic. He is such an important character around the squad. We hope to get him back soon, but it won't be before the international break."
Sven Botman, Jamaal Lascelles (both ACL) and Lewis Miley (broken metatarsal) are also in the treatment room, while Fabian Schar will serve the second of a three-match ban after his red card against Southampton on the opening weekend of the new Premier League season.
Newcastle, who lost 2-1 away against Bournemouth last weekend, head into Wednesday's EFL Cup clash with Forest having exited the competition in the second round in four of the last seven seasons.
No Data Analysis info
