Newcastle 'in limbo' over Tonali ban

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe says the club "haven't had official confirmation as a football club yet" on the ban given to Sandro Tonali by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) on Thursday for breaching betting rules.

"We've heard the news, the speculation, but we haven't had anything from the Italian authorities; we are in limbo waiting for confirmation to come through," he said ahead of Saturday's match again Wolves.

"There is a high chance he could be available tomorrow. There are still a few things that have to happen for the ban to be imposed.

"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."

The Italian featured as a substitute against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday before the 10 month ban was announced, and Howe has been impressed by his reaction after speculation over the ban began.

"He was bright when he came on against Dortmund," he added.

"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.

"[If Tonali is banned] He will face some difficult moments and communication between the club and player will be hugely important."

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