Elanga (hamstring) is progressing well and could return sooner than expected, according to manager Matthias Jaissle, per Lee Ryder of the Chronicle. "He's doing well, he's progressing. As you probably know, it was a tough injury, a longer one, but he has a brilliant mentality, a real professional, so hopefully he can come back even a bit earlier than expected. We are being smart in the process; it is a long season, so we don't want to hurry up too much. But also, I want to have him back as soon as possible."
Analysis:Elanga has now been out for around a month, and after using the international break to progress majorly in his recovery, the winger appears to be nearing a return. That said, the club is going to deal with the situation with caution, not rushing the player back just over a month into the season. Once he returns, he will be a key piece of the attack for the Magpies, recording two goals in his three starts this season before the injury.
