Anthony Elanga could be back in Newcastle United’s squad for Sunday’s Premier League clash at Crystal Palace, with Matthias Jaissle saying the winger has trained this week and worked hard enough to be in contention. Jacob Ramsey has also returned to the grass after his thigh injury, giving Newcastle a timely lift before the 2pm GMT kick-off at Selhurst Park.
That matters because Newcastle are chasing their first win at Selhurst Park since November 2020, when Callum Wilson and Joelinton scored late in a 2-0 win in South London. The trip has taken on extra weight after a setback in recent weeks, and Jaissle’s update offers the clearest sign yet that the squad may be a little stronger for the response.
Elanga has missed Newcastle’s last four league games with a hamstring injury, so even a return to the bench would be a meaningful step. Jaissle made that limit plain, saying the player will not be able to play 90 minutes, but is hopefully ready to join the squad. That is the fine line Newcastle now have to manage: enough recovery to help, not so much risk that the setback turns into a longer absence.
Ramsey is on a similar path, though from a different injury and at an earlier stage. The midfielder’s first return to the grass this week came after the thigh problem he picked up in last month’s pre-match warm-up against Leeds United, and Jaissle said Newcastle must handle him step by step and avoid taking too many risks. In other words, both players are moving forward, but neither is being rushed.
Jaissle also said Newcastle are fully focused on Crystal Palace and want to deliver the match plan, adding that the side wants to show another phase and take three points. He called it a privilege to coach Newcastle United, but the priority on Friday was more practical than emotional: finalise the squad, judge how much Elanga can give, and decide whether Ramsey is ready to be included for the first time since his injury.
The unresolved question is not whether Newcastle have improved their options; it is whether those options are ready in time to matter at Selhurst Park. With the match set for Sunday at 2pm GMT, Newcastle will have little time left to decide whether Elanga and Ramsey are part of the group that tries to end the long wait for an away win in South London.
