Sandro Tonali has been working behind the scenes to improve his game during his 10-month ban from football for betting offences.
The Newcastle midfielder is unavailable until late August after admitting to illegal betting during his time with Italian clubs Brescia and AC Milan.
Whilst The FA are still investigating whether Tonali placed bets after joining Newcastle United in July 2023, the 23-year-old is working to improve his general gameplay, and overcome his personal struggles.
The Athletic report that Tonali has been working with Newcastle’s head of psychology Dr Ian Mitchell, while a psychiatrist in Rome said he was treating Tonali for what the star’s agent deemed a ‘gambling-related illness’.
He had also received the backing of the Magpies, including an encouraging video chat with director Amanda Staveley, and watching his new teammates from the chairman’s suite during games at St James’ Park.
Sandro Tonali has been working to improve his running game as he serves out his betting ban
Tonali has been working with Newcastle’s head of psychology, as well as a psychiatrist in Rome
Newcastle back the Italian, with club director Amanda Staveley encouraging by video chat
In training, Tonali has worked with first team strength and conditioning coach Nick Grantham on his speed and accuracy when running, in the hope that it will make his return to the first-team easier.
While Tonali’s ban runs until August 27, The FA are still investigating whether the Italian placed bets after his £52m move to Newcastle last summer.
His current ban only relates to incidents on Italian gambling platforms which happened when he was a player first at Brescia and then at AC Milan.
In an interview with beIN SPORTS, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said ‘he’s very much like a normal player, apart from the fact we can’t pick him on a Saturday’.
‘His attitude has been brilliant,’ Howe revealed, adding that he was a positive influence on other players in the team, including Lewis Miley, who stepped in to the vacancy left by Tonali’s absence.
Mail Sport understands that Tonali will be banned from featuring in public pre-season friendlies for the Magpies, although behind-closed-doors games are available options before the ban expires.
Tonali has used his spare time to learn English, and there is hope within the club that the 10-month ban has given him time to settle, and improving his return.
Tonali will be banned from public pre-season friendlies, but could play behind-closed-doors
However, The FA’s probe is still ongoing, and there is not expected to be an update on that for some time.
Without Tonali, eighth-placed Newcastle travel to Arsenal on Saturday evening, ahead of an FA Cup trip to Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday.