Matthias Jaissle keeps a positive mindset in the middle Newcastle UnitedInjury concerns mount, with the Magpies boss seeing the lengthy absentee list as an “opportunity” for other members of his squad.
Newcastle suffered their first defeat under Jaissle as they were on Monday soundly beaten 4-1 by Leeds United at Elland Road.
Winger Anthony Elanga missed the game with a hamstring injury picked up in training, while Jacob Ramsey picked up a thigh injury in the warm-up. Newcastle suffered another injury blow during the game as midfielder Nico Gonzalez was forced off with concussion.
The severity of Elanga’s injury is yet to be confirmed, although he is reported to be on the sidelines for at least six weeks.
As such, the upcoming extended international break comes at a good time for Newcastle, but they will be without that trio, as well as right-back Amar Dedic, for Saturday’s visit of unbeaten Hull City, which will be the Magpies’ last before a break that will extend to their October 12 trip to Coventry City.
Captain Dan Burn, midfielder Joelinton and striker Will Osula are also unavailable, leaving Jaissle with a reduced squad as Newcastle look to return to winning ways.
But the German sees a positive in the injury problems affecting his team.
he he said at a pre-match press conference: “It is very important to show the right reaction after the Leeds United game. We are fully aligned and committed to show a reaction in front of our fans.
“It would be good to finish this block of games before the international break with a good result.”
“We don’t have any new players coming back for the Hull game. We’re missing some injured players but we use that as an opportunity for others.
“Anthony and Amar will not be able to play on Saturday. JJ (Ramsey) is injured. Hopefully after the international break our injury list will be shorter.”
On Elanga, who scored in each of Newcastle’s first two games, Jaissle added: “There’s no real update on Anthony. I’ve spoken to him now, he’s heading for an MRI. After that we’ll have more clarity and hopefully it’s not too serious.
“It’s sad after the great start he’s had. He’s a strong point in our squad and we want to stay positive.”
Jaissle keeps faith in Newcastle’s youth movement
Midfield injuries will leave Jaissle to select between 20-year-old Lewis Miley, 18-year-old Sean Steur and 20-year-old Aladji Bamba in the engine room.
But Jaissle is undaunted by that prospect and remains committed to the approach of sticking with young players despite his struggles against Leeds.
“It’s going to be a young midfielder. We trust them. That’s our approach,” Jaissle said.
“I said, four, five weeks ago, it’s a brave journey that the club is on. I’m fully committed to it, so now if there’s a setback we don’t have to erase our journey or our mission.
“We are fully committed, we are fully aligned. We anticipated that something like this against Leeds happened, or will happen in the coming weeks and months. We just have to respond, but still believing that we don’t change it.”
