Sandro Tonali is likely to make his Newcastle United return in the Carabao Cup after clarification as to when his suspension expires.
The 24-year-old was banned last October for 10 months for betting offences and there had been some confusion as to whether his potential return date was August 27, 28 or 29.
But the Federazione Italiana Giuoco Calcio (FIGC), who issued the ban, has clarified that the midfielder is ineligible up to and including Tuesday, August 27, meaning he is available to play once more from Wednesday, August 28.
Newcastle are due to face Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup second round during that midweek and, although the exact date of the fixture has yet to be confirmed, it is expected to be on Wednesday, August 28, or Thursday, August 29.
Eddie Howe’s side travel to Bournemouth the previous Sunday, so it would be a swift turnaround to then visit the City Ground on the Tuesday.
Tonali was also given a suspended two-month ban from the Football Association (FA) in May, but that has not affected his potential return.
With Tonali unable to feature in competitive fixtures or friendlies during his suspension, Newcastle have played some behind-closed-doors matches without referees in recent weeks, including against Burnley, to help the midfielder regain his match sharpness.
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