Newcastle United major injury blow exposed after £15m transfer decision
Jacob Murphy is set to keep his place in the Newcastle United side in Anthony Elanga’s absence.
Matthias Jaissle has spoken very highly of Newcastle United winger Jacob Murphy and the decision to keep hold of him in the summer.
The 31-year-old was subject to a £15million transfer bid from Nottingham Forest during the summer transfer window, which Newcastle turned down.
While the decision to turn down a reasonable bid for a player of Murphy’s age into the final year of his contract was much debated, Jaissle believes the decision has been justified and vindicated, particularly now Murphy is the only fit and available natural option on the right wing.
While Anthony Elanga started the new season on the right for Newcastle, Murphy has still featured in all six matches under Jaissle so far, either as a starter or coming off the bench. And now with Elanga ruled out for an extended period due to a hamstring injury, Newcastle will turn to Murphy.
Elanga’s injury exposes a significant weakness in Newcastle’s squad, even with Murphy available. Harvey Barnes and Bazoumana Toure are both natural on the left wing opposed to the right so replacing Elanga in the side would either mean relying on Murphy or playing another player out of position.
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Anthony Elanga injury blow
“It's really sad,” Jaissle said on Elanga’s injury. “After that great start he had, the team had, we counted on him definitely in the way we want to play. He's a key strength in our squad. But we want to stay positive also when he's out.
“Unfortunately, then we need to solve it differently. We have the ability in the squad also to adjust things. We believe in our players. We count on the others, and that's always a chance also for the others.”
On his right-wing options, Jaissle quickly namechecked Murphy.
“I have some thoughts on that. But Jacob Murphy was doing good. He is an experienced player, he's played that role many, many times.
“So he's also intelligent, to know exactly what the gaffer is demanding from him, and from him on that position in particular. There are other options, but not too many at the moment.”
Why Newcastle United refused to sell Jacob Murphy
When pushed on why he wanted to keep hold of Murphy despite an offer being on the table for him, Jaissle told The Gazette: “You saw that already, that he gets the minutes.
“Even if Anthony was fit. So he's a really important player for our squad, not only on the pitch, also off the pitch.
“A leader who also communicates well and knows what it means to be professional. So I really appreciate him.