Anthony Elanga back in Newcastle training and pushing for Palace involvement

Anthony Elanga has returned to group training this week and is pushing to be involved against Crystal Palace on Sunday, according to Craig Hope.

The winger has been sidelined since September, interrupting a promising start to the season that included goals against Liverpool and Tottenham.

Elanga pushing for Newcastle comeback

Writing in his Newcastle Confidential Q&A, Hope reports:

"Fernandez-Pardo has been suffering from an illness, but I can reveal some good news on Elanga – he has been back with the group this week and is pushing for involvement on Sunday. Palace may come too soon, but all of the noises around him are positive. Ramsey is due back this week, but we're awaiting an update."

That follows last week's report that Elanga was nearing a return to training, with Matthias Jaissle also hoping he could begin reintegrating the winger into group sessions this week.

More competition on the right

Jaissle used Matias Fernandez-Pardo on the right against Aston Villa, with Yoane Wissa up front and Jacob Murphy dropping to the bench.

Newcastle managed just one shot on target in that 1-0 defeat, with our attack struggling to create chances despite having plenty of possession.

Having Elanga available again would give Jaissle more competition on the right and greater flexibility over where he deploys Fernandez-Pardo.