Matthias Geisel is maintaining a positive mindset amid Newcastle United’s growing injury concerns, with the Magpies boss looking at the long list of absentees as an “opportunity” for other members of his squad.
Newcastle suffered their first defeat under Geisel on Monday as they were thrashed 4-1 by Leeds United at Elland Road.
Winger Anthony Elanga missed the match due to a hamstring injury sustained during training, while Jacob Ramsey suffered a thigh injury during the warm-up. Newcastle suffered another injury during the match, as midfielder Nico Gonzalez left the field due to a concussion.
The severity of Elanga’s injury has yet to be confirmed, although he is set to spend at least six weeks out of action.
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 Didic, for the visit of unbeaten Hull City on Saturday, which will be the Magpies’ last before a break that will extend for them to the October 12 trip to Coventry City.
Captain Dan Byrne, midfielder Joelinton and striker Will Osula are also unavailable, leaving Geisel with a weak squad as Newcastle aim to return to winning ways.
But the German believes that the injury has a positive impact on his team.
he He said in a press conference before the match“It’s really important to show the right reaction after the Leeds United game. We are fully committed to showing the reaction in front of our fans.
“It would be great to finish this set of matches before the international break with a good result.”
“(We don’t have) any new players coming back for the Hull game. We have some injured players missing, but we are using it as an opportunity for others.
“Anthony and Amar will not be able to play on Saturday. JJ (Ramsey) is injured. Hopefully our injury list will be shorter after the international break.”
Regarding Elanga, who has scored in each of Newcastle’s first two matches, Gayssel added: “There’s no real update on Anthony. I’ve spoken to him now, and he’s heading for an MRI. We’ll get more clarity after that, and hopefully it’s not too serious.”
“It’s sad after the great start he’s had. He’s a major strength in our team and we want to stay positive.”
Jaissle retains his faith in Newcastle’s youth movement
Injuries in midfield will leave Gassel to choose between 20-year-old Luis Miley, 18-year-old Sean Stewart and 20-year-old Adje Bamba in the engine room.
But Geisel is not afraid of that possibility and remains committed to the approach of sticking with young players despite their struggles against Leeds.
“It will be a young midfield. We trust them. This is our approach,” Geisel said.
“I said that, four or five weeks ago, that it is a brave journey that the club is on. I am fully committed to that, so now if there is a setback, we must not write off our journey or our mission.
“We are fully committed, we are fully committed. We expected something like this would happen against Leeds, or it will happen in the coming weeks and months. It is only our responsibility to respond, but we still believe we will not change that.”
