Eddie Howe has offered a positive update on “massive player” Sandro Tonali as the midfielder nears the end of his 10-month ban which began all the way back in October last year.
Speaking to BBC Newcastle, the boss revealed that he’s in a good place, looks fit and has added an extra edge to his game now we’re close to his comeback date at the end of August:
“I think he’s in a good place. He’s come back fit, he’s joining in with everything as he has all the way through. His attitude has been exemplary. But I see a slight difference in Sandro now because he knows he’s close and for a player to know be won’t be picked for 10 months is very difficult mentally to have that edge to your game, but he has that now. Yes, he’ll miss the start (of the season), but he’s a massive player for us.”
Tonali will still be banned from pre-season friendlies, unless played under certain conditions behind closed doors, and won’t feature in our first two Premier League games, so it’s likely he’ll have to be eased back in. However, there’s hope he could feature in a midweek friendly at Burnley this week.
The phrase can be overused in football, but the 24-year-old really will be like a new signing for this season.
Source link : https://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2024/07/23/sandro-tonali-update-as-eddie-howe-reveals-noticeable-change/
Author : Andrew Reynolds
Publish date : 2024-07-23 10:25:59
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