Sandro Tonali absence properly explained as Newcastle United beat German side in behind-closed-doors match
Newcastle United secured a 3-1 victory over German third-tier team SpVgg Unterhaching in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Adidas’ HQ in Herzogenaurach. This match marked the conclusion of their pre-season training camp, showcasing the depth and versatility of the squad.
The Magpies started strong with a senior XI, taking a commanding 3-0 lead by halftime. The lineup included Nick Pope, Jamal Lewis, Emil Krafth, Dan Burn (c), Lewis Hall, Jacob Murphy, Joelinton, Sean Longstaff, Joe White, Harvey Barnes, and Alexander Isak.
Harvey Barnes opened the scoring just five minutes in, cutting inside onto his right foot to find the net. Sean Longstaff and Barnes then combined to set up Jacob Murphy for the second goal in the 24th minute. Just before the break, Isak hit the crossbar but followed up with a successful strike to make it 3-0.
The second half saw an under-21s team take the field, including Odysseas Vlachodimos, Jamie Miley, Cathal Heffernan, Ellis Stanton, Leo Shahar, Johnny Emmerson, Jay Turner-Cooke, Alfie Harrison, Trevan Sanusi, Garang Kuol, and Ben Parkinson.
Despite several opportunities, including efforts from Parkinson and Kuol, the young Magpies couldn’t add to the scoreline. SpVgg Unterhaching managed to pull one back with a penalty from Skarlatidis.
Notable Absences: Managing Fitness and Injuries
Several Newcastle players, despite traveling to Germany, did not participate in the match. Tino Livramento, Lloyd Kelly, and Joe Willock were absent as the team managed their fitness levels.
Goalkeepers Pope and Vlachodimos played ahead of John Ruddy and Mark Gillespie. Callum Wilson was notably absent, having left the camp to see a specialist for a back issue.
Eddie Howe explained the situation, stating, “Callum has just gone to see a back specialist to have a little procedure on his back. It’s just something he’s been feeling a little bit, so we’re just getting it checked out.
Joe Willock is fine, he’s working back. We have a hangover of injuries from last year.
Tino Livramento is still working his way back, Lloyd Kelly we’re just being protective over but he’s fit and fine.
Matt Targett and Joe Willock are still working their way back to fitness and haven’t started with the group from pre-season. Lewis Miley got injured, not with us but while doing some off-season work.”
Sandro Tonali’s Absence: Registration Issues and Betting Ban
Sandro Tonali’s absence from the match was due to administrative issues. The fixture needed to be registered with both clubs’ respective FAs, raising doubts about Tonali’s availability during pre-season.
Although it was assumed he could play in behind-closed-doors friendlies despite his betting ban, it now appears Tonali won’t feature until Newcastle’s match against Tottenham Hotspur on September 1, when his 10-month ban ends.
Newcastle United’s pre-season preparations continue with a training ground friendly against Burnley this week. The team will then face Hull City on Saturday afternoon, marking their first match in front of a crowd this summer.
Following the Hull match, Newcastle will travel to Japan to play Urawa Red Diamonds and Yokohama F. Marinos in Tokyo. The pre-season concludes with the Sela Weekender, featuring matches against Girona and Stade Brestois at St James’ Park.
Newcastle’s 2024-25 Premier League campaign kicks off against Southampton, and the team is working diligently to ensure they are in peak condition for the season opener.
Newcastle United’s pre-season win against SpVgg Unterhaching highlights the team’s readiness and depth as they prepare for the upcoming Premier League season.
Despite several key players managing fitness issues and administrative challenges affecting Sandro Tonali’s participation, the Magpies are focused on their goal of a strong start to the new campaign.
