Newcastle boss Eddie Howe says there is a “high chance” Sandro Tonali can play against Wolves on Saturday despite receiving a 10-month ban from football.
Howe said the club are in “limbo” as they await confirmation of the ban.
The 23-year-old was banned by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) on Thursday for breaching betting rules.
“We’ve heard the news, the statement, but we haven’t had anything from the Italian authorities at the moment,” Howe said on Friday.
“I think there’s a high chance again that he could be available for us. I still think there are a few things that have to happen before the ban is imposed, so let’s see.”
The ban is yet to be approved by governing bodies Uefa and Fifa.
The FIGC said the Italy midfielder had breached a rule that prohibits players placing bets on football events organised by FIGC, Uefa and Fifa, and he has also been fined 20,000 euros (£17,380).
It added that the federal prosecutor and Tonali had agreed to an 18-month disqualification, eight months of which will be commuted to “a therapeutic plan” to help “recovery from gambling addiction”.
Reports have suggested Tonali will still be able to train with Newcastle despite the ban, but Howe said “we don’t know” if that is the case.
Speaking about Tonali’s mindset, Howe added: “He was bright when he came on against Dortmund. From the moment this happened, his training performances have been very good.
“His mood is the same. It is there in the background and I’m sure there are difficult times for him.”
Tonali joined Newcastle from AC Milan in July for £55m, becoming the Magpies’ second-most expensive signing.
“It shows nobody knows what tomorrow will bring. It is a valuable lesson. We need a squad robust enough to deal with these things. It is part of life and football,” Howe said.
More to follow.
