Newcastle United official reason why Anthony Elanga is missing v Manchester United
Newcastle United winger Anthony Elanga misses the Premier League clash against former club Manchester United.
Newcastle United are without Anthony Elanga for tonight’s Premier League clash away to Manchester United.
Eddie Howe has named an unchanged starting XI from last Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Chelsea at St James’ Park. Nick Woltemade’ brace gave the Magpies a 2-0 lead at half-time but the visitors hit back through Reece James and Joao Pedro.
United head to Old Trafford eyeing only their second away win of the season.
Why Anthony Elanga is missing for Newcastle United v Manchester United
While the line-up remains the same, there are changes on the bench.
Goalkeeper Nick Pope returns from seven matches out with a groin issue, taking the place of John Ruddy, while 16-year-old Sam Alabi is also named on the bench in Elanga’s absence.
The former Man United winger came off the bench against Chelsea and according to Newcastle’s official website sustained an injury “towards the end of the game”.
What the injury is and the exact nature is yet to be confirmed. Howe will be asked for further details after the game has finished at Old Trafford.
Eddie Howe launches staunch defence of Anthony Elanga
Elanga was a big topic of Howe’s pre-match press conference as the 23-year-old has struggled to hit the ground running since joining from Nottingham Forest for £55m in the summer. In response, Howe launched a staunch defence of the winger.
Howe said: “I think it's really strange, because I think if you put all his best moments together in a Newcastle shirt, you'd put a showreel together of a player that's got some unbelievable attributes and has done some really, really good things for the team.
“Even the moment on Saturday, I think not many other players would have been able to elevate themselves into that position because they wouldn't have his speed and his athleticism to get there in the first place. So, I think sometimes we're very quick to analyse things negatively rather than the positive.
“Yes, the end part was just slightly missing. And I'd say that's been probably the thing that's held Anthony back from getting the recognition and the praise that I think is to come in the future for him. And the actual end product, the goals and assists that we know that he will want, we will want from him.
“But it's there, the tools are there. And a lot of it comes with feeling, it comes with confidence, it comes with the belonging aspect. And when you come to a new club, as quickly as you can feel those things, the better player you'll have.
“I really believe in him, that's never wavered from me. I see the professional that he is and how hard he's worked behind the scenes and how well he wants to do. One of our best trainers every single day.
“So, I think when you put all those things together, then I believe really strongly that Anthony will have a great time here.”