'A knock' - Newcastle United fresh injury doubt confirmed after Manchester United defeat
Newcastle United injuries: Anthony Elanga is a fresh injury concern for Eddie Howe after missing the 1-0 defeat at Manchester United.
Anthony Elanga missed Newcastle United’s 1-0 defeat at Manchester United on Boxing Day with a knock.
The 23-year-old had featured in all of Newcastle’s Premier League matches prior to the trip to Old Trafford but suffered an issue during the 2-2 draw against Chelsea last time out at St James’ Park.
Despite being virtually ever-present in The Magpies’ matchday squads this season, Elanga has struggled since his £55million move from Nottingham Forest in the summer, contributing one assist and zero goals in 25 appearances.
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Anthony Elanga absence explained by Eddie Howe
Newcastle now have a quick turnaround for their trip to face Burnley on Tuesday evening, where it is hoped Elanga could be back in contention.
Explaining the winger’s absence at Old Trafford, Howe said after the match: “He took a knock against Chelsea. We don’t think it’s too serious and we hope to have him back pretty quickly.”
Elanga is the latest player on Newcastle’s injury list alongside Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn, Sven Botman, Emil Krafth, Tino Livramento and William Osula.
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Eddie Howe launches defence of Anthony Elanga
Despite Elanga’s struggles and latest setback, Howe remains confident the big-money summer signing will make a positive impact for the club in the long run.
Howe said: “I think it's really strange, because I think if you put all his best moments together in a Newcastle shirt, you'd put a showreel together of a player that's got some unbelievable attributes and has done some really, really good things for the team.
“Even the moment on Saturday, I think not many other players would have been able to elevate themselves into that position because they wouldn't have his speed and his athleticism to get there in the first place. So, I think sometimes we're very quick to analyse things negatively rather than the positive.
“Yes, the end part was just slightly missing. And I'd say that's been probably the thing that's held Anthony back from getting the recognition and the praise that I think is to come in the future for him. And the actual end product, the goals and assists that we know that he will want, we will want from him.
“But it's there, the tools are there. And a lot of it comes with feeling, it comes with confidence, it comes with the belonging aspect. And when you come to a new club, as quickly as you can feel those things, the better player you'll have.
“I really believe in him, that's never wavered from me. I see the professional that he is and how hard he's worked behind the scenes and how well he wants to do. One of our best trainers every single day.