The Italian midfielder is available for the Magpies' Carabao Cup tie against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday (28.08.24) having served a 10-month ban from football for breaching betting regulations and the coach is hopeful that the player will want to make up for the time lost during his spell on the sidelines.
Howe said: "I don’t know if debt is the right word but Sandro will naturally feel he wants to repay everyone here for the trust we’ve shown in him when we signed him. We’ve tried to support the human rather than Âtreating him as a footballer, first and foremost.
"I’ve seen enough of Sandro [in training] all these months to back his ability. I still love the player."
Howe has been pleased with Tonali's response to his ban and thinks that the mental strength he has gained will be a useful commodity for the club during the season ahead.
The coach said: "He’s a very strong guy, he’s handled this situation so well. 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.
"Sandro’s not outwardly expressive. He’ll be calm, cool and collected but I’m sure that, inside, he can’t wait to wear that shirt again. Playing again will be a tremendous release for him."
