Sandro Tonali will make his return from his betting ban when Newcastle head to Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.
Magpies boss Eddie Howe has confirmed the Italy midfielder, suspended for 10 months after admitting breaching gambling rules, is in the squad for the second-round match.
“He will definitely be in the squad,” Howe said at his pre-match press conference.
“He is fit, he just hasn’t had the most important thing, with the game time. He has done everything else, he has worked incredibly hard to be on top of his fitness.”
Tonali joined Newcastle in a £55million switch from AC Milan in July last year but has not played for the club since October.
“I imagine (he will have) a range of emotions, a lot of excitement,” added Howe.
“When you have a long time out, you have a long time to analyse and reflect. Now it is just back to doing what he loves. It will be an incredible release for him.
“I want Sandro to come back and enjoy his football. He’s really well liked by his team-mates.”
Ivan Toney is set to miss out again for Brentford when they head to League Two Colchester amid the transfer rumours surrounding the striker.
But head coach Thomas Frank has confirmed that new signings Fabio Carvalho and Sepp van den Berg will start.
Carvalho has made substitute appearances against Crystal Palace and former club Liverpool, while Van den Berg is waiting for his first minutes in a Bees shirt.
There will also be debuts for Turkish midfielder Yunus Emre Konak and South Korean defender Ji-soo Kim.
“Yunus was injured for three or four months, so he looked a little rusty at the beginning of pre-season, but he picked up towards the end and I like more and more what I’m seeing from him,” said Frank.
“But there is still adaptation as he has come in from the Turkish league. He is involved in the squad tomorrow, so let’s see if he is starting or not.
“Ji-soo had a really good pre-season and impressed me with his performances. He is also involved in the squad tomorrow, so let’s see what will happen.”
"We're close to having a full clean bill of health." 🔋
🗣️ A positive update from the manager:
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) August 27, 2024
Adam Lallana is set for his first appearance since he returned to Southampton when they travel to Cardiff.
Bournemouth midfielder Philip Billing has a slight injury and will be assessed ahead of their trip to West Ham.
Germany striker Niclas Fullkrug, the Hammers’ summer signing from Borussia Dortmund, is in line for his full debut.
Elsewhere Wolves host Burnley, Swansea face Wycombe and Ipswich head to AFC Wimbledon.
