Newcastle is twinned with Gelsenkirchen and, as Borussia Dortmund need no reminders, the German city is home to their great rivals, Schalke. They are found in the second division now: as Newcastle can testify from the Mike Ashley years, a vast stadium offers no immunity against relegation. Instead, as Newcastle and Dortmund go head to head in the Champions League tonight, they find themselves twinned in a footballing respect, wrestling with the same problem: how to cope with the loss of a pivotal midfielder.
For Jude Bellingham, read Sandro Tonali, one gone to Real Madrid for a nine-figure sum, the other set for 10 months on the sidelines with a gambling ban. Tonali played in a Champions League semi-final for AC Milan last season. He will not for Newcastle this year, regardless of how far they progress. Wednesday’s game could be his last. “I’m expecting him to be available,” manager Eddie Howe said. If not, his plans may require a late rethink, Tonali’s campaign already curtailed.
