Eddie Howe says it is “too soon” to plan for replacing Sandro Tonali because he doesn’t know what the outcome into the investigation into the midfielder’s alleged illegal betting activity will be.
Tonali is the subject of an investigation by the Italian Prosecutor’s Office into alleged illegal betting activity and could receive a lengthy ban from football.
But the Magpies boss expects Tonali to be part of the squad to face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Wednesday.
“As far as I’m aware, I’m expecting him to be available tomorrow,” Howe said.
“I think I’m in a position where I’ll plan like that until I’m told differently. I can’t second guess what’s going to happen so he trained and he’s available.
“I’ve heard very little because I’m preparing for the game and everything that goes into that so I’ll wait to hear if anything concrete comes through.”
Tonali only joined the club from AC Milan in July in a deal worth £55m but Newcastle face having to go back into the market for a replacement should the midfielder receive a hefty ban.
But Howe insists the club are not planning for that eventuality just yet.
“It’s a bit too early for that because we don’t know what’s going to happen,” Howe said.
“I know there’s a lot of rumours going around but until we know for definite, no for January and everything that will entail.
“We’ll have time to prepare a strategy if we need one for that moment but not yet.”
