Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe says there is a ‘high chance’ that midfielder Sandro Tonali will be available this weekend.
The 23-year-old was banned by the Italian Football Federation for breaching betting rules and is facing a 10-month ban from football.
Despite the ban looming, Howe reveals that it could take time for the punishment to be ratified.
“We haven’t had official confirmation as a football club yet; we’ve heard speculation but have heard nothing from the Italian authorities.
“We’re in limbo really, we’re waiting for official confirmation to come through.
“I think there’s a high chance again he could be available for us. I still think there’s a few things that have to happen before the ban is imposed, so let’s see”.
The Italian has only been been at the club for three months, after signing from AC Milan in July for £55million.
The midfielder did feature in Newcastle’s 1-0 loss to Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday night.
Tonali will need to attend treatment sessions for problem gamblers and give talks on his experiences as part of a rehabilitation plan.
The Magpies travel to Molineux on Saturday to face Wolverhampton Wanderers in a 17:30 kick off.
