Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali makes return to football after 308 days out and fans are making the same point

Many fans are in agreement after Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali made his much-anticipated comeback in their EFL Cup clash against Nottingham Forest.

Tonali, who joined the Magpies from AC Milan last summer for a reported £55 million, was banned by the Italian Football Federation last October for breaking rules while playing in Serie A.

The 24-year-old was hit with a 10-month ban for betting offences.

Speaking ahead of Wednesday's game against Forest, Tonali said: "It was very, very, very difficult in October, November, December, the first three months. Now I feel it is a new time. It is another point in my life. I have a great team."

He added: "People have helped me, my psychologist and the young players in Italy. I spoke with many people in Italy for the therapy. I want to help people in more difficulty than me."

Eddie Howe decided to include the Italian in his starting line-up for this evening's EFL Cup second round game against Nottingham Forest.

And he soon reaped the rewards. Tonali was one of Newcastle's standout performers on Wednesday night, especially in the first-half as he played a key role in Joe Willock's opener.

Here's how fans on social media reacted to the midfielder's 62-minute cameo.

One said: "I wonder how long we’re going to leave Tonali on for but his played very well for someone who hasn’t played for 10 months."

A second wrote: "It’s testament to Sandro Tonali’s pure ability as a footballer that he’s the best player on the pitch in this first half despite 10 months out. His vision, hard running & speed of passing and thought is everything good about #NUFC so far. Super player."

A third commented: "How is Tonali, the fella who's not played for 10 months, the guy covering the most yards on the pitch!?" and a fourth said: "Sandro Tonali. We've missed you, maestro. His technical ability is through the roof."

After 308 days away from football, Sandro Tonali's first pass for Newcastle led to their opening goal vs. Nottingham Forest 😮 pic.twitter.com/dvDoSRNk9d

— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) August 28, 2024

A fifth added: "A Tonali masterclass so far. It's as if he's playing with batteries in his boots, running harder & faster than the rest. As for his passing - first time, breaking the lines, accurate - that too has been a different level."

Eddie Howe praised the former Brescia midfielder's mentality ahead of the EFL Cup clash.

"He’s a very strong guy, he’s handled this situation so well," Howe said. "He’s shown real strength, dignity, integrity. Because he’s been isolated at times it hasn’t always been easy for him. He’s had some low moments and some lonely moments where the team has been playing.

"I think we’ll get a different player back, a stronger player mentally, someone who will enjoy his football and probably appreciate every moment because it has been taken away from him for a long period of time."

Howe added: "Sandro’s not outwardly expressive. He’ll be calm, cool and collected tomorrow but I’m sure that, inside, he can’t wait to wear that shirt again. Playing again will be a tremendous release for him."

Tonali, who scored on his Premier League debut against Aston Villa, has made 13 appearances in all competitions for the Magpies.