Newcastle United have been dealt an injury setback ahead of tonight’s Premier League meeting with Leeds United, with Anthony Elanga ruled out of the trip to Elland Road.
The winger, who is expected to be an important part of Matthias Jaissle’s plans this season, has not travelled with the squad after picking up an injury. Elanga had been expected to return to the starting XI after featuring as a substitute in Newcastle’s 1-0 Carabao Cup victory over Millwall last week.
The 24-year-old had started all of Newcastle’s Premier League matches so far and had already made a strong impact, scoring twice in his opening three league appearances. His absence therefore represents a significant blow for Jaissle.
Jacob Murphy has been selected on the right flank, making his first Premier League start of the season. The decision comes after Jaissle resisted interest from Nottingham Forest in Murphy during the summer.
There is some positive news on the injury front, however, as Amar Dedic has been cleared to start at right-back. The Bosnian defender was substituted at half-time against Millwall with a hamstring problem but has recovered quickly enough to feature.
Jaissle has made three alterations to his starting XI. Summer arrival Matias Fernandez-Pardo, who cost around £51 million, is handed his full Premier League debut in place of Joe Willock.
Malick Thiaw also returns to the defence and takes over as captain, with Fabian Schär dropping to the bench. Lewis Miley has been preferred to Jacob Ramsey in midfield.
Newcastle United XI: Lukas HornÃcek, Lewis Hall, Sven Botman, Nico Gonzalez, Yoane Wissa, Harvey Barnes, Malick Thiaw (c), Matias Fernandez-Pardo, Jacob Murphy, Amar Dedic, Lewis Miley.
Substitutes: Nick Pope, Tino Livramento, Fabian Schär, Aladji Bamba, Sean Steur, Bazoumana Toure, Joe Willock, Jacob Ramsey, Mason Miley.
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