Sandro Tonali's big moment in Japan ahead of Newcastle United comeback
Newcastle United fans gave Sandro Tonali, close to returning from a 10-month suspension, a rapturous reception in Tokyo.
It felt like a big moment for Sandro Tonali, even though it wasn’t on a football pitch.
After 10 months in the shadows at Newcastle United, Tonali stepped on to centre stage in Japan.
The midfielder, set to return from his betting suspension later this month, addressed a room full of fans at a supporter engagement event in Tokyo which was attended by Darren Eales, the club’s chief executive officer.
What was said in the room, normally a wedding and party venue, will stay in the room.
But Tonali – who was on stage with team-mates Sean Longstaff, Lewis Hall and Mark Gillespie – spoke well when he took the microphone, and it’s clear he’s treating this season as a new start on the pitch after a challenging year off the field.
Supporters had given him, in particular, a rapturous reception when he was introduced by the evening’s compere.
And that won’t have done the Italy international, signed from AC Milan last summer for £52million, any harm as he prepares to make his long-awaited return to competitive football.
Tonali – who has not played a competitive game since the October 25 home game against Borussia Dortmund last year – could make his comeback in the September 1 Premier League home fixture against Totteham Hotspur.
Howe’s view
Howe was asked how Tonali was, both mentally and physically, ahead of Wednesday night’s friendly against Urawa Red Diamonds in Saitama, which Newcastle won 4-1.
“He’s good,” said United’s head coach. “Mentally, I think he’s been excellent during this long period. I think he’s trained really well.
“He’s very low maintenance for someone like me to manage the situation. I think he’s been first class.
“He’s been really supportive to the players that have been playing, and making sure that the team’s in the right place, ahead of himself.”
Tonali is eligible to play competitive football again from August 27, and Howe expects him to “quickly” get back up to speed.
“I expect, with the way he’s trained, for him to get up to speed quite quickly,” said Howe, whose team take on Yokohama F Marinos in Tokyo tomorrow.
“But I do think there needs to be a certain amount of understanding that there’s just been no way for us to get him the games that he needs into his legs.
“Although he’s joined in every day, a lot of his training would be smaller than a match unless it’s an 11 v 11, which we would occasionally do in training.
“I think it probably will take him a while to get to his very best levels, but he looks fit and very focused.”
Howe added: “He’s a big player for us.”
Tonali’s big welcome back will have buoyed the 24-year-old as he prepares for the biggest season of his career.