Sandro Tonali back with a bang? - Thursday's positive at Newcastle United

As the frustration about the transfer window continues to erode confidence online, we will push on with our daily reason to be positive article.

Today's one picks itself and it will be one of the key reasons why supporters are excited for the new season. The return of Sandro Tonali is scheduled for Wednesday 28th August 2024. It will soon be upon us and he could even be available to feature against Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup. The game has yet to be scheduled, but it could fall on that date.

Last season, it was a brutal and rapid process that saw the Italian midfielder banned from football matches. Whereas Ivan Toney played on for months while being investigated, Tonali was suspended within a few weeks. There were heart-warming scenes after the Borussia Dortmund home match, when the former Milan player was shown a lot of support form the fans on his final appearance.

On that evening, it was clear how the events had taken its toll on Tonali and it is likely his opening few months at the club were impacted by the investigation.

Tonali showed flashes of his ability in a Newcastle shirt last season. His debut against Aston Villa was superb, as he scored an excellent goal and dictated the game from central areas. After this game, there were some teething problems as he adapted to the league.

Fortunately for us, Tonali was permitted to train during his suspension. This will have helped him learn the language, acclimatise to a new country and learn the style of play of the team, despite his ban from playing.

Eddie Howe has worked wonders with a lot of the players in our squad. It is rare to have ten months to work on a player behind closed doors and mould them in your image. Supporters should be fascinated to see how Tonali adapts back to first team football.

He will have a point to prove and will feel indebted to the club, who have stuck with him throughout his suspension. Tonali has only played 12 times in competitive fixtures for us.

A lot outside of the Newcastle bubble have forgotten about him, but he can take the league by storm this season.