Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has confirmed that Sandro Tonali and Alexander Isak are both fit and available for Wednesday's Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund at St James' Park.
Tonali is currently under investigation by Italian prosecutors and the Italian Football Federation in relation to illegal betting activity, and he is at risk of a lengthy ban from football.
According to Sky Sports News, the 23-year-old's legal team have been working on a plea bargain after the midfielder admitted to betting on his former club AC Milan to win matches during a court hearing in Turin last week.
An agreement over the length of Tonali's suspension is said to be close, with the Italy international potentially receiving a ban which would see him miss the rest of the 2023-24 season and Euro 2024.
Tonali came on as a second-half substitute in Newcastle's 4-0 win over Crystal Palace in the Premier League last weekend, and Howe has confirmed that the midfielder is once again available for selection on Wednesday.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday ahead of their Champions League clash with Dortmund, Howe said: "Sandro is fit and fine. Obviously there's things going on, but it's the same as he was before the Crystal Palace match.
"As far as I'm aware, I'm expecting him to be available for tomorrow."
"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," Howe added. "He's trained today and he's available. I've heard very little as I've been preparing for the game and will wait on anything concrete coming through.
"I've not spoken to him. It was very emotional for him at the end (of the Palace game) and it was clear to see for everybody. But it will help him in the long term as he will always be able to reflect back on the love he got from the supporters when he really needed it.
"It will help his long-term relationship, hopefully with the supporters."
Meanwhile, Howe has confirmed that Newcastle striker Isak has returned to full fitness and is in contention to play against his former club Dortmund.
Isak picked up a groin problem after scoring twice in the Magpies' 2-2 draw with West Ham before the international break, and he was unable to represent Sweden before beginning on the substitutes' bench against Palace last weekend.
"I'm really pleased with where [Isak] is at. Really pleased with the West Ham game, he was outstanding. He's back to full fitness after a groin problem," said Howe. "I'm sure he'll want to do well [against his former side]."
Howe has also revealed that midfielder Joe Willock (hamstring) is "getting closer" to a return to first-team action, but will not be involved on Wednesday, while centre-back Sven Botman "is still out" as he continues to recover from a knee injury.
After drawing 0-0 with AC Milan and securing a famous 4-1 triumph over Paris Saint-Germain, Newcastle currently sit top of Group F with four points from their first two games, three points ahead of Wednesday's opponents Dortmund who are still searching for their first win. body check tags ::
