Newcastle United put 6ft 6in star on standby as Sweden FA confirm Anthony Elanga injury

The Magpies have a number of injuries to assess with true extent of Anthony Elanga injury to become clear soon

Newcastle United are set to be boosted by the return of Ewen Jaouen in training ahead of the Magpies’ weekend clash with Hull City at St James’ Park.

The 6ft 6in goalkeeper has been missing in action with an ankle injury for the last three matches but is understood to be in contention for the encounter with the Tigers. Jaouen was hurt in training ahead of the 2-2 draw with AFC Bournemouth and has absence has resulted in Nick Pope returning to the bench.

The England international was unable to earn a summer move during the window and the ex-Burnley man has been on standby in the last handful of games. However, Matthias Jaissle is likely to stay loyal to Lukas Hornicek who still had a creditable game despite letting in four goals with the ex-SC Braga man actually keeping the score down at Elland Road.

If fit the ex-Stade Reims man will take his place on the bench against Hull in the final game before the internationals kick in.

Swedish FA to confirm Anthony Elanga absence
Newcastle have been rocked by a leg injury to Anthony Elanga with the Sweden international set to be sidelined for the Hull game and beyond.

This is not only a blow to Newcastle with Sweden who expect him to miss forthcoming fixtures in the UEFA Nations League fixtures against Romania, Sweden and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Sweden boss Graham Potter is set to name his squad and hold a press briefing in due course with Elanga’s absence to be confirmed.

When asked about Elanga’s absence, Jaissle said on Sky Sports on Monday: “Unfortunately, he is injured. We need to investigate further and in more detail to find out how long he will be out.

“We will miss him and hope he is back to play quickly. It could be [long-term]. We hope not. He will get another MRI next week, and we will see.”

Dan Burn edging closer to return
The England international was back in the Newcastle match day squad for Leeds but did not make the bench.

Instead, he took on a leadership role in a non-playing capacity and his captaincy skills were important as he helped keep the 4-1 defeat in context on the journey home. Burn was initially expected to be back after the three-week international break.

Burn said recently: “It’s not my first injury and I’m sure it won’t be my last but hopefully I won’t be out for long — I expect to be back after the international break. I rolled my ankle and went down to London to see a specialist.”