Newcastle United winger Anthony Elanga has insisted he’s over his injury issue and now feeling 120%.
Elanga has suffered a frustrating few months after starting the season brightly at Newcastle under new manager Matthias Jaissle.
That was brought to an end by a training session in September. At first, the severity of the issue was unclear, but the initial prognosis was not particularly encouraging.
Elanga eventually ended up missing four Premier League games with a hamstring injury. He returned at the end of October, playing 13 minutes against Crystal Palace, 76 against Everton and then five in the 1-1 draw with Fulham this weekend.
He also managed 45 minutes in the 3-1 defeat to Everton in the Carabao Cup Round of 16. Now he’s set t feature for Sweden in the upcoming international break.
Confidence for Newcastle United player
The Newcastle United winger is feeling confident despite the absence. And he admits that he came back faster than anyone envisioned.
“It was an injury that was a bit difficult to identify. It was in the groin. But I came back faster than anyone expected,” he told Fotbollskanalen.
“I took very good care of myself. I eat well; I rest well. The club’s medical team was excellent, as was the collaboration with the personal team I work with off the pitch.”
He was then asked if he’s feeling any effect from the injury.
“Nothing at all. I feel fit, 120%,” he added.
“I’m back now and have played three matches. It’s about regaining the momentum I had at the start of the season. I’m happy to be here now, back with the national team, and to build on that momentum.”
Form needs to follow
The Newcastle United man will now be hoping to get back to his best in the coming weeks as the Magpies look to turn around a disappointing run of form.
The international break could help in that regard. Sweden take on Bosnia and Herzegovina and then Poland in the Nations League group stages over the next week.
They current sit top of the group on ten points, three ahead of Bosnia and six ahead of Poland in third. The picture is not quite as rosy for Newcastle.
They sit 12th in the Premier League at this moment in time on 12 points but have only managed one win in their last five. And while they’re level with the likes of Tottenham and only a point behind Aston Villa in 10th, the focus is on the bottom half of the table.
Getting Elanga back fit and firing could be key to turning that around. The fact he now insists he’s at 120% will provide them with encouragement.
