Tonali Set to Start Against Newcastle as De Zerbi Confirms Spurs Decision
Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi has confirmed that Sandro Tonali will be named in the starting XI when Spurs face Newcastle United on Saturday evening.
The Italian midfielder featured from the beginning in Tottenham’s 3-0 Premier League defeat to Brentford last weekend, but he was surprisingly absent from the squad for Wednesday’s 5-1 Carabao Cup victory over Charlton Athletic.
However, De Zerbi has revealed that Tonali was not injured. Instead, the midfielder was given time to focus on improving his physical condition ahead of his emotional return to St James’ Park.
“Sandro has to work to feel better in terms of physical condition, but Saturday he will play in the first XI, without problems,” De Zerbi explained after the Charlton victory.
The match will mark Tonali’s first appearance against Newcastle since completing his reported £100million move to Tottenham. His return is expected to generate a strong reaction from the home supporters.
Newcastle fans were particularly disappointed by Tonali’s decision to leave after standing behind him during his 10-month betting ban, which came only months after his £55million transfer from AC Milan.
Tonali eventually returned to action at the beginning of the 2024/25 season and played a key role as Newcastle ended their long trophy drought by winning the Carabao Cup and secured Champions League qualification.
Now, after leaving Newcastle following their 12th-place Premier League finish last season, Tonali is preparing to face his former club in a Tottenham shirt.
Speaking ahead of the clash, Tonali admitted that returning to St James’ Park will bring mixed emotions.
“I love the people there. With me, they were amazing,” Tonali said, while describing the Newcastle crowd and stadium as among the best in England.
He also recalled the support he received during his difficult period away from football, saying Newcastle supporters treated him “like my mum and my dad.”
