Oct 24, 2026 5:00 PM

The Magpies boss faces a selection dilemma at Selhurst Park as stars Anthony Elanga and Jacob Ramsey return to training, while illness clouds Matias Fernandez-Pardo’s availability.

Newcastle United head coach Matthias Jaissle has addressed the media ahead of Sunday’s Premier League trip to Crystal Palace, discussing the latest injury news, the progress of several players and the importance of responding after a difficult run of results.

The Magpies travel to Selhurst Park on Sunday, October 25, looking to get their Premier League campaign back on track after consecutive setbacks. Jaissle knows his side must produce an improved performance against a Crystal Palace team that will be determined to respond following their own demanding week.

The Newcastle head coach also provided encouraging updates on Anthony Elanga and Jacob Ramsey, while offering a cautious assessment of Matias Fernandez-Pardo’s availability. 

Anthony Elanga and Jacob Ramsey Provide Injury Boost

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One of the biggest talking points from Jaissle’s press conference was the potential return of Elanga, who has missed Newcastle’s last four Premier League matches after suffering a hamstring injury.

The Swedish winger has returned to training this week, although the manager made it clear that he would not be ready to complete a full 90 minutes.

Jaissle said: “Anthony has trained this week and worked really hard. He won’t be able to play 90 minutes but he is hopefully ready, at least, to be able to join the squad.”

Elanga’s possible involvement would provide a welcome boost for Newcastle, who have missed his pace, direct running and ability to stretch opposition defences. The winger scored in each of his opening two Premier League appearances for the club this season, making his absence a significant setback for the team’s attacking options.

Jacob Ramsey has also made progress in his recovery after being sidelined with a thigh injury sustained during the warm-up ahead of Newcastle’s defeat at Leeds United.

The midfielder returned to the grass this week, but Jaissle stressed that the club would manage his workload carefully.

“I’m happy Jacob Ramsey is back on the pitch. We need to take it step-by-step, manage his load management, we don’t want to take too many risks,” the Newcastle boss explained.

His comments underline the importance of ensuring injured players return at the right time rather than being rushed back because of the team’s immediate needs. 

Fernandez-Pardo Fitness Concern

Jaissle also addressed concerns surrounding Matias Fernandez-Pardo, whose preparations for the Crystal Palace fixture have been disrupted by illness.

The forward was forced off during Newcastle’s defeat against Aston Villa last weekend, and his availability remains uncertain as the club assess his condition.

“Matias has still some issues health-wise, so he can only train partially and hopefully he can make it at the weekend,” Jaissle revealed.

That leaves Newcastle facing a late decision over whether Fernandez-Pardo will be fit enough to travel and feature against Palace.

Tino Livramento and goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen also remain sidelined as they continue their respective injury recoveries. 

Jaissle Addresses Sean Steur’s Development

The Newcastle head coach was also asked about Sean Steur, with the young midfielder having been an unused substitute in the club’s previous two league matches.

Jaissle made it clear that Newcastle remain confident in the 18-year-old’s potential but insisted that patience will be important as he adapts to the demands of English football.

“We are all sure, the whole club, the coaching staff and the players, what great potential Sean has,” he said.

The manager acknowledged that young players naturally experience fluctuations in performance and confidence, explaining that Steur’s development must be viewed as a long-term project.

He added that the midfielder needs to build maturity and confidence through training sessions and consistent work on the training ground.

With Nico González also competing for opportunities in midfield, Steur faces a challenge to establish himself in Jaissle’s preferred starting XI. However, the manager’s comments suggest Newcastle remain pleased with his progress and are not prepared to judge his development solely on short-term selection decisions. 

Newcastle Focused on Responding at Selhurst Park

Jaissle acknowledged that Newcastle had identified areas requiring improvement during their post-match analysis and used the training week to work on those weaknesses.

He said: “It was a week we were fully committed to what we want to develop. We found things we can do better clearly in the post-match analysis and we have been working on themes.”

The German added that Newcastle wanted to demonstrate progress against Crystal Palace and secure all three points.

The challenge will be significant. Palace have had a demanding schedule, including a 2-2 draw against Beşiktaş in the Europa League on Thursday, but Jaissle expects the opposition to respond positively.

“There are always times where you would and wouldn’t like to play against an opposition. They have had a heavy defeat and then drew yesterday. They will want a reaction,” he said.

“ We can only focus on ourselves, what we can control. We are fully focused on Crystal Palace, to deliver the match plan.”

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