Sandro Tonali: Eddie Howe confirms Newcastle midfielder is available for selection amid ongoing betting probe

Sandro Tonali is being investigated for gambling on matches; former AC Milan midfielder admitted to placing bets on Milan games; follow Newcastle vs Crystal Palace on Saturday across Sky Sports' digital platforms and watch free match highlights after 5.15pm; kick-off 3pm

Friday 20 October 2023 11:02, UK

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Eddie Howe has confirmed Sandro Tonali is available for selection despite the ongoing investigation into allegations the Newcastle midfielder gambled on matches he was involved in.

Tonali is being probed by the Italian Prosecutor's Office and Italian Football Federation (FIGC) for breaching betting rules and was withdrawn from Italy's squad ahead of their defeat against England on Tuesday.

The 23-year-old — who joined Newcastle from AC Milan for £55m this summer — admitted to making bets on Milan to win games in a hearing with the FIGC in Turin.

Tonali is likely to be handed a lengthy ban but, ahead of Newcastle's return to Premier League action at home to Crystal Palace on Saturday, Howe said: «He's very much with us. I think he trained twice this week. He's very much available for selection.

»Like I do with all the players, I'm analysing their training performances, how they look, how they feel. Sandro's trained well."

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However, Howe stopped short of confirming that Tonali would be involved against Palace, saying: «He's had a very difficult couple of weeks. He's been dealing with a lot.

»I see him for a few hours a day but, from what I can see, he's handling himself very well and he's dealing with his emotions incredibly strongly.

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