Newcastle United face big Anthony Elanga decision after Sweden release statement
Newcastle United winger Anthony Elanga has withdrawn from the Sweden squad ahead of their game tonight.
Anthony Elanga withdrew from Sweden’s squad due to “personal reasons” ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Slovenia.
It remains unclear whether the Newcastle United winger will be available for the clash with Manchester City on Saturday. Elanga has endured a tough start to St James' Park life since his £55million move from Nottingham Forest.
He is yet to register a goal or assist from 17 games across all competitions. Newcastle are prepared to be patient with a player they chased for over a year.
Anthony Elanga withdraws from Sweden squad
However, the Magpies will require further composure after Elanga pulled out of Sweden’s international squad. Petra Thoren, the team’s press officer, revealed “personal reasons” are why the wideman withdrew.
Sweden’s game with Slovenia is essentially a dead rubber as they cannot qualify for the World Cup via the group stage. However, Graham Potter’s men have booked a play-off spot - to be contested in March - due to their Nations League efforts.
Newcastle will learn in the coming days whether Elanga will be ok mentally to face Man City this weekend. Pep Guardiola’s in-form side visit Tyneside to impose a daunting test, with the Magpies aiming to kick-start their stuttering Premier League campaign.
‘Be ready’ - Anthony Elanga
Speaking to Swedish media on international duty, Elanga backed himself to get over his early jitters and become a hit on Tyneside. He told SVT: “In football, things happen quickly. You can play one or two games and then start on the bench 10 games in a row. So, you just have to be ready all the time.
“We have the League Cup, the Champions League (and) the FA Cup, which hasn’t even started yet and then we have the Premier League too. So it’s important for me to be healthy so the opportunities will come.
“You always get hungry. You always want to start and try to help the team. When you start and play several games, you build momentum. It’s important for a footballer to have that.”
Eddie Howe on Anthony Elanga
When asked about Elanga’s form by NewcastleWorld, Toon boss Eddie Howe issued a strong defence of his summer signing. Jacob Murphy was also mentioned as someone who can take the heat off Elanga while he settles in.
“I think he’s just adjusting to a different style of play,” Howe said. “Sometimes that adjustment happens quickly, sometimes it takes a little bit longer with certain players. Anthony is working very, very well. I’m really impressed with his attitude and desire to do well. His focus and professionalism is at the highest quality.
“I really, really back him. I think he’s going to come good and do some amazing things for us. But we’re just taking it slowly with him. While Jacob is playing so well, I don’t see why there’s a big rush. We need to support him, help him and sit back to let him do his stuff.”