Eddie Howe has spoken for the first time about an investigation into Sandro Tonali in relation to illegal betting activity.
The Italian prosecutor’s office and the Italian football federation had earlier announced that Tonali was being investigated.
talkSPORT understands that Newcastle are expecting him to receive a lengthy ban, while his agent confirmed he is suffering from a gambling addiction.
Now commenting on the subject, Howe said: “Yeah he’s very much with us. He trained twice this week with us and he’s very much available for selection.
“Like I do with all the players, analyse their training performances, how they look, how they feel. Sandro has trained well with us.
“He’s had a very, very difficult couple of weeks. He’s been dealing with a lot and from what I can see, I see him for a few hours a day, he’s handling himself really well and he’s dealing with his emotions incredibly strongly, but underneath that I’m sure there’s a lot going on.
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“I’ll have to make a call but I always have to bring it back to football. I have to bring it back to his training performances and what he’s delivering on the training pitch and then try and make the best decision for the team.”
Asked how he learned about the news, Howe said: “I got a phonecall from Dan Ashworth, I can’t remember what day it was but it was during the international break.
“A total surprise to me, to him, to everybody. These are the things in this job and this role that can happen. As I said my immediate process was for Sandro and making sure he was ok. A very difficult period.
“There’s so many different things in people’s personal lives that can happen. Footballers are human beings and to look at them anything other is wrong.
“We all have vulnerabilities, weaknesses, things that happen in our lives that can be difficult so the main thing is if we identify it, support the player as we’ll always do, try and help them get to their best level on the football pitch.”
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Backing Tonali, Howe coninued: “For me it’s absolutely crucial. It’s the most important part of this whole incident is Sandro and his welfare.
“It’s very easy for people to forget how young he is and the changes he’s had in his life coming from Italy to England. That’s hard enough to deal with and now he has this situation.
“We feel as a football club, straight away, it was throw our arms around him and protect him, give him the love and support that he needs to find solutions to the problems he’s had. That’s what we endeavour to do. We’ve had a lot of conversations, a lot of communication with him and his family.
“It’s not just Sandro it’s the people who are important to him as well. It’s been a big effort from us and he’s handled himself superbly well. He’s been obviously emotional but has handled himself with respect and dignity.”
Tonali joined Newcastle from AC Milan for £55million during the summer and instantly became a first team regular.
Due to his short time at the club, Howe was asked if Milan could have known about any betting infringements, and also if the club did enough to avoid this situation.
“That’s something I can’t comment on [if Milan knew],” he said. “My thought process is all about Sandro.”
“I think that’s a very difficult one. I think from our side, Sandro is a top, top person. A top character I’ve got no doubts about him as a person at all.
“Like any of us sat in this room, you don’t know every thing about every person. It’s impossible to know, but it’s our job now to help him and support him to his best level on the pitch.”
The Magpies boss was then asked if he knows of any time frame for when they will know about a punishment, and he replied: “Personally, no I don’t.
“There are other people dealing with that who will have a better idea than me. For me my focus has been on Sandro himself and training this week.”
Newcastle had earlier released a statement acknowledging an investigation into the midfielder.
It read: “Newcastle United can confirm that Sandro Tonali is subject to investigation by the Italian Prosecutor’s Office and Italian Football Federation (FIGC) in relation to illegal betting activity.
“Sandro is fully engaging with the investigation and will continue to cooperate with all relevant authorities. He and his family will continue to receive the club’s full support.
“Due to this ongoing process, Sandro and Newcastle United are unable to offer further comment at this time.”
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