‘Tough’ - Newcastle United major blow confirmed as Eddie Howe without ‘top player’

Newcastle United were without £52million summer signing Sandro Tonali for the first time this season.

On the eve of the Magpies’ 2-2 draw at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday evening, it was confirmed by the FA that FIFA had ratified the Italian Football Federation’s 10-month ban for Tonali following an investigation into illegal betting activity.

The Italian won’t return until August next year - a few weeks into the 2024-25 season - although it’s understood he can continue to train with United as normal.

“I think he’s been emotional since the whole thing came to light, not necessarily obviously but underneath,” Howe told reporters at Molineux. “It’s been really tough for him. It’s not just been tough for Sandro, it’s been tough for the group.

“We’ve seen a top player leave for 10 months and that is tough for the players because they know they need help. They need bodies and good players. That’s why the result today was so impressive.”

Tonali’s suspension adds to a long list of absentees for Newcastle currently. Alexander Isak, Jacob Murphy and Elliot Anderson suffered fresh injuries last week, while Sven Botman, Harvey Barnes and Lewis Miley are also sidelined.

It forced Howe to name a weakened bench at Molineux with Matt Targett the only player to have started a Premier League game this season. Joe Willock was the only player introduced.

Callum Wilson scored twice as Newcastle extended their Premier League run to six matches.

“I’ve got to give my players credit because the game on Wednesday [v Borussia Dortmund] was a tough mental week for us with the Sandro situation, injuries to key players, I thought it was a really good response today.

“I thought we looked the stronger team in the last part. I don’t think the schedule has caught up with us, the injuries and the difficult situation I was faced with when making changes to the pitch was a tough one.”