Sandro Tonali return date confirmation amid Carabao Cup confusion for Newcastle United

Sandro Tonali is set to return for Newcastle United in their Carabao Cup second-round clash against Nottingham Forest.

The midfielder was banned last October by Italian authorities for breaching betting regulations. Just months after joining the Magpies for £55million, Tonali - and the club as a whole - were dealt a seismic blow.

Supporters eagerly await the 24-year-old’s return, having continued to chant his name from the terraces throughout his 10-month suspension. Last night’s Carabao Cup draw triggered confusion about whether Tonali can play at the City Ground - a game that will also see Newcastle face Elliot Anderson just weeks after his £35million departure.

His ban was confirmed on August 27, with the Forest game taking place on August 28. However, an FA document initially claimed his return date was August 29 - leaving uncertainty over the situation.

But NewcastleWorld have received confirmation from the club that the Italian can play against Forest. While awaiting official verification, that game will likely take place on Wednesday, August 28 - not the Tuesday - due to the Magpies travelling to Bournemouth three days earlier.

An official statement read: “Newcastle United can announce that Sandro Tonali will return to selection on Wednesday 28th August 2024 following the conclusion of his ten-month ban from competitive football.

“The club has received formal confirmation from the Federazione Italiana Giuoco Calcio (FIGC) that the player’s sporting sanction will run up to and including Tuesday 27th August. The Magpies will travel to Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup second round during the week commencing Monday 26th August (fixture date and time TBC), before hosting Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League at St. James’ Park on Sunday 1st September (kick-off 1:30pm BST).”

Eddie Howe revealed in pre-season that Tonali is “focused” and looking sharp ahead of his highly-anticipated comeback. He told reporters: "He's come back really fit, focused - you can see a change in his demeanour because he feels closer to playing. It looks to me like he's ready to play and make a difference. 

“It does feel like a new signing. He will no doubt feel like he has objectives to hit. He came here with clear motivations, and he is someone who wants to do very well."