Anthony Elanga was a victim of a horror tackle during Newcastle United’s pre-season friendly win over Valencia on Saturday, but escaped serious injury.
Elanga was in a lot of pain after being caught on the shin by a high tackle from José Gayà in the first half of the match at the Mestalla Stadium. He was taken off the pitch on a stretcher.
Gayà was sent off for the reckless challenge, which started a mass scuffle on the pitch, but Matthias Jaissle, the new Newcastle manager, alleviated fears that Elanga would miss the start of the season.
“It seems to be not bad, so we are pleased. I hope it’s true, then he can start again next week,” Jaissle said. “I was in fear, definitely, but now I’m more relaxed as the medical department is showing almost green lights, and there’s nothing serious.”
The Sweden international was reportedly walking around the changing room after the 2-1 victory and appeared only to have suffered bruising.
Two second-half goals from Yoane Wissa delivered Jaissle a comeback win in his first game in charge after Filip Ugrinic had put Valencia ahead inside four minutes.
Jaissle was pleased with the result but admitted there was work to do before Newcastle open their Premier League campaign against Liverpool on August 23.
“It was a friendly today. We will not smash the locker room now and celebrate a lot,” Jaissle said. “We’re quite balanced. We know what it is about. Now it’s pre-season, and we’re still looking to work on it. It’s just a journey.”
Jaissle has inherited a squad in transition following the departures of key players Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon.
He turned to youth against Valencia, with goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek, midfielder Aladji Bamba and winger Bazoumana Touré making their debuts, and Sean Steur, 18, impressed off the bench.
“Time is the key. They’re young lads,” Jaissle said. “It’s never going to be easy in football, especially at the highest level, but we’re here to help them.”