Newcastle United coach issues encouraging Elliot Anderson injury update after initial worry

Elliot Anderson’s injury is not as bad as first feared - with the hope he’ll be back sooner rather than later.

The Whitley Bay-born attacking midfielder was injured during Newcastle United under-23s’ abandoned match with Aston Villa almost two weeks ago.

It came at a bad time for the 19-year-old, who had earned praise from assistant coach Jason Tindall just hours earlier after continuing to make an impression in-and-around the first team.

There’s no timescale over when Anderson will return, though second-string boss Elliott Dickman did provide a positive update after his side’s 2-0 win over Sunderland on Monday evening.

What Elliott Dickman said about Elliot Anderson’s injury

“Elliot is in and around the first-team so he’s up there getting his treatment,” revealed Dickman.

“I don’t think it’s as bad as we first thought so that’s good news. In terms of where he’s at, I’ll be honest with you, I don’t know.

“But I’m delighted it wasn’t as bad and I think he’ll probably be back sooner rather than later.”

What Jason Tindall said about Elliot Anderson

Tindall, speaking before United’s trip to Arsenal, said: “He’s certainly a bright talent from what we’ve seen on the training ground. He’s got very good potential.

“We’re very fortunate here, at this football club, to have some very, very good attacking players. There’s a lot of competition in the attacking areas.

“So far, what we’ve seen with Elliot, is that he’s shown really good signs for the future.”

Elliot Anderson set sights first-team place

Following his hat-trick in the 3-1 win at Nottingham Forest last month, Anderson admitted he wanted to impress head coach Eddie Howe “as much as he could”.

In training footage released by the club media’s team before the Arsenal defeat, Anderson heavily featured - curling a lovely finish past Freddie Woodman.

Anderson has not featured for the first team since making his Premier League debut in January as the club plummeted into relegation trouble.

Over pre-season, the attacking midfielder had been forced out with a hip injury, which saw a second loan approach by Championship side Luton Town turned down.

He’s continued to train with the first team but featured largely for the under-23s. The Scotland youth international was on the bench in away games at Watford and Wolves this term.