Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali is showing signs of eagerness to return to the fray as his betting ban edges closer to being completed.
Eddie Howe has picked up on it too and told Chronicle Live : "He's getting closer and I think we can see that in his general demeanor. He feels very much part of the group, which he has been anyway, but I think there is more of a definitive action in him now because he knows he is competing for a place again."
"Of course, there will be a short time where he won't be available, but then he will be and it will be like signing a new player all over again."
READ MORE: Liverpool legend makes worrying prediction for Arne Slot's first Premier League season
READ MORE: GET IT DONE! Liverpool must sign three players this summer with Euro 2024 winner among them
The anticipation builds as Tonali's comeback match for Newcastle against Spurs at St James' Park looms, now just 40 days away. His worldwide ban for betting infringements left everyone at the club reeling last October, especially following his transfer from AC Milan.
Yet, Tonali is resolute in making amends, having taken a significant salary reduction during his ban, a gesture that speaks volumes, reflecting the remorse he felt, according to Howe.
Tonali confessed to placing between 40 and 50 football bets after joining Newcastle, including four on the Magpies to win. The FA confirmed that it was 'highly unlikely' they would have discovered his 'misconduct but for his admissions'.
An independent regulatory commission found that the incident had a 'profound effect' on Tonali and is 'something he does not want to experience again'. This sentiment has been echoed in talks Tonali has given in his homeland as part of his suspension conditions.
In England, Tonali's cooperation with the FA's separate investigation resulted in a suspended two-month ban, rather than an extension of his original 10-month suspension from his time in Italy. He has also been able to train with his team-mates throughout.
This was not guaranteed, as Ivan Toney was previously unable to do so during the first half of his eight-month ban for breaching betting rules at Brentford.
Despite this, Tonali felt integrated into the squad even just as a training player. He was able to participate in intense, competitive sessions alongside team-mates like Tino Livramento instead of working alone.
"Even last season, coming in every week, you could see he was always working really hard," Livramento said. "He's been a top pro. He's still been in and around the group. He's been someone you can talk to and is a funny guy. It will be good to see him back doing what he loves."
Concerns were rife that without specific, tailored training directions, Tonali might lose focus - concerns that have been put to bed as the 24 year old has reaped the rewards of one-to-one coaching. What's more, even during his ban, Tonali delivered top-notch training performances, seemingly better than before his suspension kicked in.
Liverpool.com says: Tonali will be chomping at the bit to return to action. He was handed a hefty ban but has clearly shown remorse over the incident. If he can show the form that persuaded Newcastle to sign him from Milan, the Magpies will have a real player on their hands.
Most Popular
Comments / 0