Sandro Tonali has been named in the starting XI for his first game back from a 10-match ban after betting breaches.
Newcastle travel to fellow Premier League side Nottingham Forest in the 8pm Carabao Cup second round kick-off on Wednesday night.
Starting from the outset at the City Ground, Wednesday night's clash will be Tonali's first appearance since last October for the Magpies.
Fans will be eagerly awaiting the return of a player who they saw little of last term, having arrived with plenty of anticipation given the £52million fee paid for his services.
'He's had a really tough time and an isolated period training on his own, travelling back to Italy on his own,' Eddie Howe told Sky ahead of the game.
'He's had a lot of time to think about his situation. He's handled himself brilliantly. I'm delighted this moment's come for him. It's not just about this game, we're getting a player back who's a top level player. It's about managing his first few games back.'
The Italian midfielder's maiden season for the Magpies lasted just 12 games in 2023-24 before he was handed a worldwide football ban after being found to have bet on matches involving former club AC Milan and Newcastle.
However, after watching on from the sidelines - as well as via FaceTime from a phone in the away end - Tonali's suspension has now expired.
The £52m marquee signing of last summer is now back in contention to feature for his side.
Earlier in August, Eddie Howe said: 'Physically, he's very fit, he's in a really good place, but he just hasn't had the matches and the game sharpness that you can only really get from games.'
Despite the lengthy lay-off, Tonali has kept himself in shape and reports suggest that he has been a low maintenance member of the squad, and has worked on adapting to Howe's side's defensive set up.
Unable to feature for the side last term, Tonali was often consigned to solo training sessions with his team-mates regularly training at their base just twice a week given their Champions League and domestic cup commitments.
Newcastle confirmed the 24-year-old would be available once again for Wednesday's clash following the expiry of his ban, which was imposed by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) for offences committed during his time in Italy.
Despite being banned for 10 months he has kept physically fit, lacking only match minutes
Unsurprisingly, Tonali is champing at the bit to get back in action for his side, and was quick to show his gratitude to his boss for his support for the duration of the ban.
‘I am excited because I think I am a new player, a new transfer,' he said. 'I only played eight (Premier League) games last season, that was so difficult for me.
'I am excited to be here in Newcastle, not in another place because I have a top team, top fans and I can’t wait to come back on the pitch.'