NEWCASTLE’S Sandro Tonali will be slapped with a 10-month ban for illegal gambling.
But the Italian midfielder, 23, is set to be allowed to train with the Magpies during his suspension – unlike Brentford’s Ivan Toney.
GettyTonali is free to play for Newcastle tonight despite his ban being imminent[/caption]
Tonali is also free to feature against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League tonight given Italian authorities are yet to announce the ban, though confirmation is imminent.
The Azzurri international was found to have placed bets on his former sides Brescia and AC Milan.
Newcastle signed Tonali from Milan for £55million in July, with his agent admitting he has a “gambling addiction”.
The suspension, which will see him miss the rest of this season and next summer’s Euros, will also include therapy and work on anti-gambling initiatives.
But, crucially, Tonali is expected to be able to train with Newcastle throughout his absence while Brentford striker Toney – banned for eight months in May for breaching betting rules – was not.
The Magpies are assessing all legal options, with boss Eddie Howe insisting the club “will do what it needs to do”.
Asked on Tuesday if he is already lining up a January replacement, Howe said: “It’s a bit too early for that to be honest.
“We will have time to prepare a strategy for that moment, but it’s not yet.”
Newcastle take on Borussia Dortmund tonight in a huge game in Group F.
The Magpies currently top the group on four points after their stunning 4-1 victory over PSG last time out.
Dortmund, meanwhile, need a result if they are to avoid getting left behind in the group.
They currently sit bottom, behind PSG and AC Milan on one point after two matches played.
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