Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, aged 45, expressed that there is a “high chance” that Sandro Tonali, aged 23, could participate in Saturday’s Premier League match against Wolves, despite the 10-month ban imposed by Italian authorities due to gambling.
The Italian football federation disclosed on Thursday that the international midfielder had received a suspension extending into the next season as a result of an investigation into unlawful betting.
However, it’s important to note that the ban is still pending formal approval from the governing bodies, UEFA and FIFA.
Asked for his reaction on Friday, Howe said: “It’s a difficult one because we haven’t had official confirmation as a football club yet.
“We’ve heard the news, the statement, but we haven’t had anything from the Italian authorities at the moment, so we’re in limbo, really, waiting for that official confirmation to come through.”
Asked further if there was a chance he could yet play for Wolves, Howe added: “Yes, I think there’s a high chance again that he could be available for us. I still think there are a few things that have to happen before the ban is imposed, so let’s see.”
Tonali’s agent has said his client, who joined Newcastle from AC Milan in July, has a gambling addiction.
He came on as a substitute in Newcastle’s 1-0 defeat by Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Wednesday.