Newcastle United have received a boost ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Manchester City.
While Anthony Gordon is a doubt to face Manchester City with a hip injury, there is better news regarding Anthony Elanga.
It was announced on Monday that the 23-year-old was withdrawing from the Sweden squad due to personal issues, which raised questions over his potential involvement at St James’ Park on Saturday.
However, that is no longer a concern following an update from the Chronicle.
They have reported that Elanga is available for Newcastle United’s game against Pep Guardiola’s side, with the winger in ‘good spirits’ ahead of the Premier League’s return.
That is great news for Eddie Howe, who needs a response from his players following that frustrating defeat to Brentford. Howe has been working hard during the international break, as he sets about turning around the Magpies’ form.
Eddie Howe shakes hands with Anthony Elanga.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Anthony Elanga unlikely to start for Newcastle United against Manchester City
While Elanga’s availability is a boost, it would come as a surprise if he features in the Newcastle starting XI on Saturday.
He has not started a Premier League game for Newcastle United since the defeat to Brighton in October. On that day, he was substituted at half-time.
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Since then, Jacob Murphy has been Howe’s go-to right winger in the Premier League. That feels likely to continue on Saturday, as Murphy has spent the entire international break working under Howe at the Newcastle United training ground.
On the opposite side of the pitch, Harvey Barnes should start if Gordon is ruled out. Elsewhere, Yoane Wissa is not expected to return to action. Instead, his debut could come seven days later away to Everton on 29th November.