Elanga set to return next week after violent challenge

The challenge from José Gaya on Anthony Elanga in Saturday's friendly left concerning scenes: the Valencia defender tackled the Swedish winger just above the shin, forcing him off on a stretcher after two minutes on the ground. The Newcastle bench rose in protest and the coaching staff became involved in a minor altercation, according to L'Équipe.

But Matthias Jaissle, in his first match as Magpies manager after replacing Eddie Howe, reassured about the player's condition. «I was scared, of course», the coach acknowledged, «but the medical team seems to give us the green light: it's nothing serious. We're fortunate. I hope he can return next week». With 34 Swedish caps to his name, Elanga could be available sooner than the violent nature of the tackle suggested.