Newcastle United coach addresses Santiago Munoz’s mystery absence - and reveals when he could make debut

Santiago Munoz’s mysterious absence has been explained by Newcastle United under-23s lead coach Elliott Dickman.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Santiago Munoz is unlikely to feature for Newcastle United’s under-23s until after Christmas, according to lead coach Elliott Dickman.

It’s been 98 days since the 19-year-old completed his 18-month loan deal from Mexican top-flight Santos Laguna. Indeed, his absence has become something of a mystery.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Munoz didn’t arrive on Tyneside until mid-September after spending two weeks in quarantine in Madrid.

He underwent individual training with the club’s sports scientists in order to get him ‘up to speed’, and is now recovering from an injury.

There is an option for the club to activate a permanent move for Munoz, who will now have just 12 months to make an impression, after his injury setback.

What Elliott Dickman said about Santiago Munoz

“Santi’s injured,” Dickman revealed after Newcastle’s 2-0 win over Sunderland at Whitley Park.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“He’s still doing part of his rehab. It’s going to be after Christmas I’d imagine before we see Santi in a match situation.

“The staff are working very hard with him to try and get him ready for when that comes.”

What has Santiago Munoz said about his Newcastle United move?

Speaking to the Grant Wahl Podcast, Munoz said in early-October: “I am very, very happy. It’s something that is fabulous. The club is very good. All the people in the club are very good. The city, I really like it.

“The stadium is a historical stadium and a historical club. I am working very hard my first months here so I can get into the group.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Right now I am training separately. They are working to get me physically ready. I am working for that to be quickly part of the group.

“I know that I will be firstly working with the Under 23s but my goal is to be quicker and to be with the first team”.

Why is there a big interest around Santiago Munoz?

Munoz’s name is very similar to GOAL! star Santiago Munez.

Like Munoz, Munez, played by actor Kuno Becker, journeyed to Newcastle from Mexico - playing in the reserves before starring in the first-team.

His arrival generated plenty of interest among Magpies fans but still, they’re yet to see him in action.

Related topics: