Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali handed 10-month ban ahead of Manchester United clash

Newcastle will be without Sandro Tonali for next week's Carabao Cup clash at Manchester United after the midfielder was handed a 10-month ban for breaking Italian gambling regulations.

Tonali was one of several players to be notified by police of an investigation during the last international break. The Italian has since admitted to placing bets on matches, including some on AC Milan games in which he was involved.

Tonali's agent admitted his client was suffering from a gambling addiction and communicated openly and honestly with the authorities throughout. His actions could have been punishable by a three-year ban but his compliance has seen that reduced to 10 months.

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“The FIGC prosecutor and Tonali have reached an agreement which I have already approved,” Italian football federation president Gabriele Gravina said. “The agreement consists of a 10-month ban plus eight months of rehab activities and at least 16 public appearances.”

That ban has come in with immediate effect and means Tonali will not be available for next week's Carabao Cup clash at United. Eddie Howe's side head to Old Trafford on Wednesday for the last-16 tie after beating Manchester City in the previous round.

The 23-year-old has only played 12 times for Newcastle this season, having signed from AC Milan in a deal worth £55million over the summer. He signed a five-year deal at St James' Park.

Speaking last Friday, Magpies manager Howe said: "We will throw our arms around Sandro and protect him and try to give him the love and support he needs to find solutions to the problems he’s had. We