Anthony Elanga could be back in Newcastle United’s matchday picture for Palace Vs Newcastle on Sunday, but Matthias Jaissle made clear the winger is not ready to go the full distance. Elanga has trained this week after missing Newcastle United’s last four league games with a hamstring injury, and Jaissle said the best the club can hope for is to have him available for selection.
That matters because Newcastle United go to Crystal Palace at 2pm GMT with one of their sharper wide options possibly returning at just the right time. Jaissle said Elanga has worked hard in training and is hopefully ready to join the squad, which would at least give Newcastle another attacking choice as they chase a first win at Selhurst Park since November 2020.
That win four years ago came in a 2-0 result at Selhurst Park, with Callum Wilson and Joelinton scoring late goals. This time, Newcastle need the same ground to produce something more recent and more immediate, after a stretch in which Elanga’s absence has been one of the more obvious hits to their attacking depth.
Jacob Ramsey is also moving in the right direction, though he remains at an earlier stage. He made his first return to the grass this week after the thigh injury he suffered in last month’s pre-match warm-up against Leeds United, and Jaissle said he needs to be managed step by step because Newcastle do not want to take too many risks with him.
That leaves Sunday’s selection as the key unknown, even after the latest injury update. Newcastle are still balancing caution with the need for points, and Jaissle said the squad is fully focused on Crystal Palace and on delivering the match plan. He added that the team want to show another phase at Crystal Palace and get three points, but also stressed that Elanga will not be able to play 90 minutes even if he makes the squad.
For Newcastle, the return of even part of Elanga’s pace would be useful. For Elanga, the next step is simpler: get back into the squad, help where he can, and leave the full comeback for another day.
