Elanga avoids serious injury after preseason tackle

Newcastle United forward Anthony Elanga has avoided a serious injury after being stretchered off following a reckless challenge from Valencia captain José Gayà during a preseason friendly on Saturday, August 8, 2026. The incident occurred in the 35th minute at Mestalla Stadium, with Newcastle trailing 1-0. Gayà was shown a straight red card for the tackle, which sparked a confrontation between players from both teams.

The match was the first in charge for new Newcastle head coach Matthias Jaissle, who replaced Eddie Howe this summer. Jaissle admitted he initially feared the worst for his winger. "It was a shocking challenge, that's right. I was in fear, definitely," Jaissle told reporters after the game. "But now I'm more relaxed because the medical department are almost showing green lights that it's nothing serious. We are blessed. Hopefully he can be back in the next week."

Club sources indicated that Elanga was walking after being taken off and is dealing with a shin contusion. The 24-year-old Sweden international, who joined Newcastle from Nottingham Forest last summer, appeared in considerable pain on the pitch before being replaced by Jacob Murphy.