Eddie Howe names Newcastle United player 'ready to start' after injury problems

Elliot Anderson's put his injury problems behind him at Newcastle United – and now has an exciting few months ahead of him.
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Anderson, 20, has played 97 minutes of Premier League football so far this season, but the midfielder is closer to his first top-flight start after overcoming a series of “niggles”.

“I think he’s ready to start from a physical perspective, for sure,” United’s head coach, who was speaking ahead of tomorrow’s home game against West Ham United.

“He’s had a few niggles, a few calf problems, thigh problems. These were one or two-day injuries which set back his rhythm of training, so I don’t think he’s had a really fluid period.

"I think now, in training, you can see the very best of him, similar to what we saw in pre-season. So I think, from a physical perspective, he’s looked stronger.

Newcastle United midfielder Elliot Anderson.Newcastle United midfielder Elliot Anderson.
Newcastle United midfielder Elliot Anderson.
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"Mentally, Elliot’s very strong as well. I think he’s very focused, very driven, wants to do extra every day. He’s trying to be the best player he can be. I think he’s in a place where he could start games. Whether he will or not, that’s going to come down to him.”

Anderson – who helped Joey Barton’s Bristol Rovers win promotion from League Two last season – has made 14 appearances in all competitions for Newcastle.