Newcastle United injury latest ahead of Chelsea clash
Newcastle United welcome Chelsea to St James’ Park for the Premier League’s early kick-off.
Chelsea legend John Terry believes Anthony Elanga will be a “threat” for Newcastle United this afternoon.
That is despite eyebrows perhaps being raised if the Swede makes the starting line-up at all. Newcastle have seen little return on the £55million paid for Elanga in July, with just one assist from 24 games across all competitions.
The 23-year-old - who registered 17 Premier League goal contributions for Nottingham Forest last season - was one of the worst performers against Sunderland six days ago. When introduced in the 2-1 midweek win over Fulham, fans were notably restless every time Elanga touched the ball.
John Terry praises Anthony Elanga
But speaking on his personal TikTok account, Chelsea legend Terry has still named Elanga as a potential danger man for Enzo Maresca’s men to be wary of. The 45-year-old also gave Blues captain Reece James an order should he win the pre-match coin toss.
“Newcastle away at the weekend against a very good and a very well-organised Newcastle side under Eddie Howe,” Terry said. “A team that’s very good defensively, very physical. A team that you look across in the tunnel and know that they’re certainly up for it, and they’re a physical team from set plays as well.
“So we need to make sure that we’re on our game in terms of defensive set plays as well. I think that Newcastle have one of the best and most physical midfields in the Premier League. And also plenty of pace on either wing in Anthony Gordon. Harvey Barnes can come on and make an impact as well.
“Elanga, the other side as well, who shows real pace and a real threat, also. On top of all this, it’s an early kick-off. The Newcastle supporters are great. They’re always up for it. They’re gonna be right behind their team right from the kick off. So, whoever’s captain, flip them round, make them kick towards the Gallowgate End in the first half.”
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Eddie Howe on Anthony Elanga
When asked by reporters in midweek, Howe defended Elanga and other signings who have not hit the ground running. He said: “Of course, we hope every new player comes in and straight away they play and make the team better and everyone is happy.
"The reality is that, when you bring in six players - and we’re seeing this around the country - is that not all six are going to adapt and contribute at the same rate and time. I back the players that we have signed and I say that continually - if I didn’t believe it, I wouldn’t. I think they will make a difference but it may take a bit longer."
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