Sandro Tonali absence explained as Newcastle United beat German side in behind-closed-doors match

Newcastle United beat German third-tier SpVgg Unterhaching 3-1 to round off their pre-season training camp at Adidas’ HQ in Herzogenaurach.

In a behind-closed-doors encounter, the Magpies fielded a senior XI in the first-half and went into the break 3-0 up following goals from Harvey Barnes, Jacob Murphy and Alexander Isak.

A youthful team in second-half, with the exception of summer signing Odysseas Vlachodimos, fell to a 1-0 defeat after Simon Skarlatidis scored from the penalty spot.

Newcastle United field two different starting XIs

First-half XI: Nick Pope, Jamal Lewis, Emil Krafth, Dan Burn (c), Lewis Hall, Jacob Murphy, Joelinton, Sean Longstaff, Joe White, Harvey Barnes, Alexander Isak

Barnes fired Newcastle ahead after five minutes when he cut inside onto his right foot. The second goal arrived in the 24th minute when Sean Longstaff and Barnes combined to set up Jacob Murphy.

Another promising move involving Murphy and Barnes saw Isak strike the crossbar before he found the net on the brink of half-time.

Second-half: Odysseas Vlachodimos, Jamie Miley, Cathal Heffernan, Ellis Stanton, Leo Shahar, Johnny Emmerson, Jay Turner-Cooke, Alfie Harrison, Trevan Sanusi, Garang Kuol, Ben Parkinson

An under-21s team played the second period. Ben Parkinson and Garang Kuol, who is set to leave on loan again in the coming weeks, had opportunities to add to the scoreline before Skarlatidis pulled one back from the spot for the German side.

Which Newcastle United players didn’t play?

Despite travelling to Germany, Tino Livramento, Lloyd Kelly, Joe Willock weren’t involved as Newcastle manage their fitness. Meanwhile, goalkeepers Pope and Vlachodimos played ahead of John Ruddy and Mark Gillespie. Callum Wilson wasn’t present after leaving the camp to see a specialist on a back issue.

Explaining the injury situation on Friday, Howe told reporters: “Callum has just gone to see a back specialist just 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 do 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, Joe Willock, they are still working their way back to fitness and they 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 absence explained

NewcastleWorld understand Sandro Tonali was unable to feature after the fixture had to be registered with both clubs’ respective FAs, casting doubt over whether the Italian will be able to feature at all during pre-season.

It was widely assumed he would be able to play in behind-closed-doors friendlies as per his ban for breaching betting rules. However, it now appears Tonali won’t kick a ball until the visit of Tottenham Hotspur on September 1 when he 10 month ban ends.

The Magpies take on Burnley in a training ground friendly this week before playing in front of a crowd for the first time this summer when they visit Hull City on Saturday afternoon.

After Hull, Howe’s men immediately travel to Japan to play two matches versus Urawa Red Diamonds and Yokohama F. Marinos in Toyko. The Sela weekender completes the pre-season preparations with Girona and Stade Brestois visiting St James’ Park.

Newcastle begin their 2024-25 Premier League campaign against Southampton.