Sandro Tonali cleared to play after 10-month ban due to betting scandal

Manager Eddie Howe has welcomed the impending return of Newcastle United playmaker Sandro Tonali to the pitch following a 10-month ban over breaking betting regulations as a "incredible release". The Italian midfielder is expected to return on Wednesday when Newcastle United plays Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup second round.

Tonali received the punishment in October of last year from the Italian Football Federation. Tonali signed a big £55 million contract to join Newcastle from AC Milan during the summer of 2017. On Tuesday, the 23-year-old's punishment will formally expire, allowing him to instantly return to the team.

Tonali's selection in the team for the forthcoming game was confirmed by Eddie Howe, who emphasised the player's dedication to remaining fit despite taking an extended break from competitive play. 

The Newcastle United manager 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."

“It will be an incredible release for him” : Eddie Howe on Sandro Tonali

In addition to being suspended from the game, Tonali's disqualification led to intervention efforts aimed at resolving his gambling addiction. Tonali engaged in educational seminars to raise awareness of the dangers of gambling addiction and treatment initiatives for problem gamblers when he was suspended. His recuperation and reintroduction back to the football world were part of these initiatives.

Eddie Howe said, "I imagine 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."

Before his suspension took effect, the Italian international, who is currently Newcastle's second-most expensive addition, played in 12 games for the Magpies. In preparation for his comeback, Howe conveyed sympathy for Tonali's potentially conflicted feelings.