Newcastle United secured a 2-1 pre-season victory over Valencia on Saturday, though the match was overshadowed by a worrying injury to winger Anthony Elanga, who had to be stretchered off following a heavy challenge.
Elanga was left in visible pain after being brought down by Valencia defender Jose Gaya, a foul that saw the veteran defender sent off. The 24-year-old was carried off the pitch, prompting immediate concern among Newcastle staff and supporters watching at the Estadio Mestalla.
Newly installed head coach Matthias Jaissle, taking charge of his first game since arriving at St James' Park, admitted the incident had rattled him on the touchline, though he later offered a more optimistic assessment of Elanga's condition.
"It seems to be not bad, so we are pleased," Jaissle said. "I hope it's true, then he can start again next week. I was in fear, definitely, but now I'm more relaxed as the medical department is showing almost green lights, and there's nothing serious."
Despite the alarming scene, Newcastle managed to turn the contest around after a difficult start. Valencia's Filip Ugrinic gave the hosts an early lead just four minutes into the game, putting Jaissle's side under pressure from the outset. However, Newcastle responded well and eventually found their rhythm, with substitute Yoane Wissa proving the difference-maker by scoring twice in the second half to secure the win.
The friendly also marked several notable debuts for the Magpies. Goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek, midfielder Aladji Bamba and winger Bazoumana Toure all featured for the first time, while 18-year-old academy prospect Sean Steur caught the eye after coming on as a substitute. Jaissle's willingness to blood younger and new faces reflected the transitional nature of the squad, particularly on a day when former club captain Bruno Guimaraes officially completed his high-profile transfer to Arsenal.
Despite the encouraging fightback, Jaissle was quick to temper expectations, stressing that the result should be viewed in proper context given it was only a pre-season fixture.
"It was a friendly today," he said. "We will not smash the locker room now and celebrate a lot. We're quite balanced. We know what it is about. Now it's pre-season, and we're still looking to work on it. It's just a journey."
The German coach, who takes over a squad in transition following Guimaraes' departure, also spoke about the process of integrating younger players into the first-team setup as Newcastle prepare for the new Premier League campaign.
"Time is the key," Jaissle explained. "They're young lads. It's never going to be easy in football, especially at the highest level, but we're here to help them."
Attention now turns to Elanga's recovery in the coming days, with Newcastle hopeful he will be available for selection as they continue their preparations. The club face a significant early test when they open their Premier League season against Liverpool in a fortnight, a fixture that will offer the clearest indication yet of how Jaissle's rebuilding project is progressing under real competitive pressure.
Based on reporting from Independent (Football).