Despite the IFF statement being due today, the 23-year-old might still play in the Champions League match.
Sandro Tonali’s suspension from international football is the subject of an update given by Fabrizio Romano this morning, according to which a statement is expected today.
In a statement to the media yesterday, Eddie Howe stated that he was preparing for tonight’s match against Borussia Dortmund as though Tonali would be available. He is unaware of whether that implies he has him locked down as a member of the starting lineup.
But there are now credible rumors that Tonali and the Italian Football Federation have reached an understanding regarding a 10-month suspension, and the former AC Milan player will still be available for Howe in tonight’s Champions League match.
Claims have emerged that a ’10-month’ suspension has been agreed
Fabrizio Romano, a renowned football journalist, just published an update via X that is worth reading.
It strongly implies that Tonali would receive a 10-month suspension from international football and that the Italian Football Federation will issue a statement very soon.
“Sources confirm that Sandro Tonali will be banned for ten months; statement pending. Due to a gambling addiction controversy, he won’t be able to play for ten months. Similar to Nicoló Fagioli, there will be extra months of involvement in the gambling rehabilitation program.”
Fagioli, a standout for Juventus, was given a seven-month suspension for coming forward early to assist with the inquiry.
A 10-month penalty is actually not too harsh, since it was generally assumed that Tonali’s ban would be more severe—anything from one to three years was being discussed.
Romano’s assertion that a 10-month agreement had been reached has been confirmed by The Daily Mail, which, importantly, also said that Tonali will still be qualified to play tonight.
Newcastle could look to the loan market in January to fill the midfield void
It means the Magpies will be without their high-profile summer acquisition for the remainder of the season, but it also means a January loan deal for someone to enter for the remainder of the season would be sufficient to fill in for him.
With Joe Willock’s impending return from injury, Newcastle might not even feel the need to look into the loan market to find a replacement for Tonali.
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