Latest Injury Update On The £42m Newcastle United Star: Why Could The Magpies Struggle Without Him?

Latest Injury Update On The £42m Newcastle United Star: Why Could The Magpies Struggle Without Him? Newcastle United have suffered a worrying attacking setback after Anthony Elanga missed Monday night’s trip to Leeds United , with manager Matthias Jaissle admitting the winger’s injury could keep him out for a long spell. The 24-year-old Sweden international had started all three league games since his summer move and scored twice, but he did not make the squad for the 4-1 defeat at Elland Road. Speaking to Sky Sports before kick-off, Jaissle said Newcastle needed further tests to discover the full extent of the problem. He added that Elanga would undergo another MRI next week and conceded that the issue “could be” long-term. Coming Home Newcastle reported the concern on September 15, while Sky Sports independently carried the manager’s comments. No return date has been confirmed as yet, either, and the three-week international break may arrive too early to aid his recovery. Jacob Murphy started on the right against Leeds. Why could Newcastle United struggle without the £42m winger? Elanga’s absence matters because his numbers suggest Newcastle had found a direct outlet on the right. At Nottingham Forest, he made 36 league appearances, started 31, played 2,740 minutes, scored seven goals and supplied eight assists. His 54 successful dribbles and 35.9 km/h top speed gave Forest a way to attack space. LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 29: Anthony Elanga of Newcastle celebrates scoring the first goal during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on August 29, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) That speed carried into his Newcastle spell. In 248 minutes, Elanga scored twice and put all three shots on target. He registered seven progressive carries into the box. He pushes defenders back, attacks isolated full-backs and gives Newcastle a route from turnover to attack. Murphy remains an experienced option, yet the tactical difference is clear. Newcastle’s high press and vertical approach benefit from a winger who can sprint beyond the first defensive line. Without that outlet, opponents can squeeze the pitch, shift bodies across and force Newcastle into fewer lanes. Leeds United exposed that problem during a 4-1 win. Newcastle offered much lesser threat without Elanga. What does the injury mean for Newcastle United? The problem could affect the summer plan. Newcastle spent £51m on Matias Fernandez-Pardo, a versatile forward signed from Lille, and Jaissle started him against Leeds. Fernandez-Pardo can play centrally or wide, but replacing Elanga’s pace with a different profile may change Newcastle’s space creation. That leaves Murphy as an immediate solution, with Fernandez-Pardo another option and William Osula unavailable through injury. Newcastle can adjust, but a long Elanga absence would remove one clear way to stretch a defence. For Newcastle United, the MRI next week now is important.