Matthias Jassel has kept a positive attitude amid growing injury concerns at Newcastle United, with the Magpies boss treating the long list of absences as an “opportunity” for the rest of the squad.
Newcastle United suffered their first defeat under Jasler when they suffered a 4-1 defeat to Leeds United at Elland Road on Monday.
Winger Anthony Elanga has missed the game with a hamstring injury suffered in training, while Jacob Ramsey picked up a thigh injury in warm-ups. Newcastle United suffered another injury in the game, with midfielder Nico Gonzalez forced off due to concussion.
The severity of Elanga’s injury has not yet been confirmed, but it is reported that he will be sidelined for at least six weeks.
The upcoming extended international break is therefore a good time for Newcastle, but they will miss Saturday’s game against unbeaten Hull City. Those three, along with right-back Amar Dedic, will be absent, which will be the Magpies’ last break before a break that will last until October 12 against Coventry City.
Captain Dan Byrne, midfielder Joelinton and forward Will Osura are also unavailable, leaving Jessel with a thin squad as Newcastle aim to get back to winning ways.
But the German sees the positive impact of the injury problem on the team.
he Said at the pre-match press conference: “It was very important to show the right reaction after the Leeds game. We are completely aligned and fully committed to reacting in front of the fans.
“It would be nice to finish this set before the international break and get a good result.”
“[We have] No new players returned for the game against Hull City. We have a few injured players out but we use it as an opportunity for other players.
“Anthony and Amar will not be available for Saturday’s game. JJ [Ramsey] injured. Hopefully our injured list will be shorter after the international break. “
Regarding Elanga, who has scored in each of Newcastle United’s first two games, Jessel added: “There’s no real update on Anthony’s condition. I’ve spoken to him now and he’s having an MRI scan. We’ll have more information after that and hopefully it’s not too serious.”
“We are sad after a good start for him. He is a key force in our team and we want to stay positive.”
Jasler still believes in Newcastle youth movement
Injuries in midfield will leave Jessel with a choice between 20-year-old Lewis Miley, 18-year-old Sean Stull and 20-year-old cabin boy Alaj Bamba.
But Jessel is undaunted by the prospect and remains committed to keeping his young players going despite their poor performance against Leeds United.
“It’s going to be a young midfield. We trust them. That’s our approach,” Jessel said.
“I said four or five weeks ago that this team is going through a brave journey. [on]. I am fully committed to this, so now if there are setbacks, we should not delete our journey or our mission.
“We’re fully committed, we’re fully aligned. We expect something like the Leeds game to happen, or to happen in the coming weeks and months. We just respond but still believe and we’re not going to change that.”