Manager Matthias Jaissle confirmed that Elanga has worked with the group this week, although the winger is not yet ready to play a full match.
The 24-year-old has missed Newcastle United’s last four Premier League fixtures after sustaining a hamstring injury. His possible return would give the Magpies another attacking option for Sunday’s visit to Selhurst Park.
“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,” Jaissle said in his pre-match press conference.
Elanga joined Newcastle from Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2025 and signed a contract running until 2030. He made an encouraging start to the current campaign, scoring twice in his opening three league appearances before injury interrupted his progress.
The winger’s absence has limited Jaissle’s options as Newcastle attempt to improve their results. The club entered the weekend in 11th place, with eight points from their opening seven league matches, according to the supplied report.
Elanga’s return would not necessarily mean an immediate start. Jaissle made clear that the club intend to manage his workload carefully after his time out, with the priority being to bring him back without risking another setback.
Newcastle are also monitoring Jacob Ramsey, who has returned to the training pitch following a thigh injury. The midfielder’s recovery is being handled cautiously, with Jaissle stressing the need to build his fitness gradually.
“I am happy Jacob Ramsey is back on the pitch. We need to take it step-by-step with him, manage his load management, we don't want to take too many risks,” the Newcastle head coach said.
The two potential returns come as Newcastle prepare for a difficult away fixture against Crystal Palace. Jaissle acknowledged that Palace would be eager to respond after a heavy league defeat and a midweek European draw.
“There is 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.”
Elanga’s availability will therefore depend on how he responds to his return to training and the club’s final assessment before kick-off. Even if his minutes are restricted, his possible inclusion would represent progress after several weeks on the sidelines.