Anthony Elanga Faces Fitness Test Ahead of Newcastle’s Hull City Clash

Newcastle will assess Anthony Elanga’s fitness after the winger underwent an MRI scan ahead of Saturday’s home meeting with Hull City, with Matthias Jaissle hoping the problem proves minor.

Key takeaways

• Elanga was absent from Newcastle’s squad for Monday’s 4-1 defeat to Leeds United at Elland Road.
• Amar Dedic and Jacob Ramsey are also unavailable for the Hull match at St James’ Park.
• Nico González must follow concussion procedures after leaving the Leeds game in the 19th minute.
• Jacob Murphy is among the leading options on the right flank after starting against Leeds.
• Jaissle does not expect any players already injured to return in time for Saturday.

Elanga scan to determine Newcastle’s next steps

Jaissle said he had spoken to Elanga shortly before the scan and was awaiting a clearer diagnosis. The Newcastle head coach described the 24-year-old as an important part of both the squad and the team’s preferred approach after what he called a strong opening to the campaign.

“There is still no proper update on Anthony,” Jaissle said. “He was due to have an MRI and we will have more clarity after that. We hope it is nothing too serious.”

Elanga’s absence comes at an awkward time for Newcastle following the heavy loss at Leeds. The manager said the club had planned to rely on the winger, but insisted the group must adapt if he cannot feature.

Jaissle said Newcastle had players capable of changing the solution, adding that an injury absence could create an opportunity elsewhere in the squad.

Murphy in contention as injury list grows

Murphy began on the right side at Elland Road and remains an established option for that role. Jaissle praised the experienced winger’s understanding of the demands placed on him in the position.

Newcastle had considered other possibilities, including using Dedic further forward, but the full-back will not be available against Hull. Ramsey is likewise set to miss the fixture, while Jaissle confirmed there would be no immediate returns from the existing injury group.

González will also sit out Saturday’s game after being struck on the head by the ball during the Leeds defeat. He was substituted after 19 minutes, and Jaissle said the impact had been sufficient to knock him out despite not appearing to be a major collision.

The midfielder is feeling substantially better and could otherwise be able to train, but Newcastle will follow the competition’s concussion protocol. Jaissle said the process must be treated seriously, with González therefore ruled out of the Hull fixture.