Anthony Elanga suffered a hamstring injury before the 4-1 defeat to Leeds United last month.
Matthias Jaissle is hoping Anthony Elanga can return “earlier than expected” at Newcastle United.
However, the German is keen to avoid placing a timescale on the winger’s hamstring injury. Elanga started the season brightly to begin paying back his £55million price tag.
It is no secret that the 24-year-old struggled in his debut campaign at St James’ Park. But goals against Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur had Newcastle fans feeling optimistic that Elanga can rediscover his Nottingham Forest form.
That was until his absence on the team sheet as the Magpies prepared to face Leeds United last month. Jaissle was downbeat about Elanga’s chances - claiming the injury “didn’t look good” at his post-match press conference.
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Matthias Jaissle on Anthony Elanga
Almost a month has passed and he is no closer to making a return. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Jaissle discussed Elanga’s mental state as he recovers from a cruel setback.
“Yeah, I had good conversations with him,” he said. “He's doing well, he's progressing. As you probably know, it was a tough injury, a longer one, but he has a brilliant mentality (and he is) a real professional. Hopefully, he can come back even a bit earlier than expected."
What Anthony Elanga has said about Matthias Jaissle
Elanga scored Newcastle’s first goal of the season in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool. He opened up about having a new lease of life under Jaissle at the full-time whistle.
"The manager has been top since he came in,” Elanga said. “The way he wants us to play, you can all see it on and off the ball. When we go, we really go for it. We could've finished off this game (against Liverpool) earlier as we created a lot of opportunities.
"It feels fun. Hopefully it looks fun for those watching. When I am on the pitch, I feel really good and that's the way I always want to feel. Thanks to the manager and his staff for instilling it in me and the rest of the team."
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