Sandro Tonali update as Newcastle United star makes Tokyo appearance
Sandro Tonali made an appearance at an international fan event in Tokyo as he closes in on his Newcastle United return.
The Italian made his way on stage alongside teammates Sean Longstaff, Mark Gillespie and Lewis Hall as supporters from Japan and all corners of the world gathered in the same room.
Tonali, who spoke in fluent English, was serenaded by those inside the room as he prepares for his highly anticipated return later this month.
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The 24-year-old’s 10-month ban comes to an end on August 29, making him eligible to feature against Tottenham Hotspur in the third game of the Premier League season.
Arriving as the club’s marquee signing last sum er for a £55million from AC Milan, the midfielder played just 12 times before being hit with a ban for breaching betting regulations.
Tonali then faced a FA charge -which included gambling on the Magpies to beat Manchester City last September. However, his ban was not extended given the nature of his previous punishment.
Speaking about Tonali this week, head coach Eddie Howe said: “He’s good. Mentally, I think he’s been excellent during this long period. I think he’s trained really well. He’s very low maintenance for someone like me to manage the situation. I think he’s been first class. He’s been really supportive to the players that have been playing, and making sure that the team’s in the right place, ahead of himself.
“I expect, with the way he’s trained, for him to get up to speed quite quickly, but I do think there needs to be a certain amount of understanding that there’s just been no way for us to get him the games that he needs into his legs. Although he’s joined in every day, a lot of his training would be smaller than a match unless it’s an 11 v 11, which we would occasionally do in training.
“I think it probably will take him a while to get to his very best levels, but he looks fit and very focused. He’s a big player for us.”
Konnichiwa! Newcastle United are in Japan - and so too are NewcastleWorld!Our Newcastle United writer Jordan Cronin is there all week, providing coverage of the tour, behind the scenes video and analysis from Tokyo.
And we’re proud to announce that our Newcastle United coverage of the tour has a sponsor! Every story from Japan is sponsored by Mobility Care Solutions Ltd, with the shop’s official mascot Murphy.
Eddie Howe's men take on Urawa Red Diamonds at the Saitama Stadium on Wednesday, July 31. They then face J.League runners-up Yokohama F. Marinos on Saturday, August 3.
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