– BREAKING – Sandro Tonali Issues four-word reaction to Newcastle contract update!

Sandro Tonali is ELIGIBLE to make his long-awaited #NUFC return in the Carabao Cup fixture away at Nottingham Forest in a fortnight’s time.

Stated in Newcastle’s official club statement from last year, the 24-year old’s gambling ban ENDS on Tuesday 27th August 2024, which is the first potential matchday during Round Two of the tournament.

Not long now, Geordies!

Newcastle United’s name will be in the hat when the Carabao Cup second round is drawn tonight

Newcastle United’s quest for silverware begins tonight – with Eddie Howe set to learn his first obstacle to ending the club’s 70-year domestic trophy drought.

Carabao Cup action kicked off this week, with Premier League clubs given a bye until the second round. A year ago, they did not enter the competition until the third round due to their European credentials.

Newcastle looked on course to get into the latter stages last season until Kieran Trippier’s error gifted Chelsea a last-gasp equaliser. The Blues went on to win on penalties before beating Middlesbrough in the semi-final and ultimately finishing as losing finalists to Liverpool.

Howe has come close before, famously guiding the Magpies to Carabao Cup final heartbreak in February 2023. Fans are desperate for silverware – and this competition offers the most likely avenue to ending the barren spell.

Any supporters hoping for a repeat of January’s FA Cup tie, however, will be disappointed. Bitter rivals Sunderland were dumped out 2-0 by Preston North End last night – ending any possibility of a Tyne-Wear derby.

NewcastleWorld has profiled everything you need to know ahead of tonight’s draw. Will this year finally bring success?

When is the Carabao Cup second-round draw?

The draw will commence on Wednesday, August 14 – tonight – following Leeds United vs Middlesbrough. Sky Sports are broadcasting the game, with the draw taking place immediately after. With the game kicking off at 8pm, expect the second-round ties to be announced between 10pm and 10.30pm.

When will Newcastle United play in the second round?

The second round will be contested on Tuesday, August 27 and Wednesday, August 28. Newcastle are set to play Bournemouth (away) and Tottenham Hotspur (home) on either side of the Carabao Cup clash.

Can Sandro Tonali play?

There was confusion about whether Sandro Tonali could return for the second round. Initially banned on October 26 last year, Newcastle United understands the suspension was not ratified until October 29 – ruling him out. The Spurs clash on September 1 is set to be Tonali’s comeback.

Ball numbers

Newcastle United will be ball No.15 in the northern section of the draw. Until the third round, the Carabao Cup is divided between northern and southern clubs. Click here to view the numbers in full.