Anthony Elanga Out of Sweden Squad as Graham Potter Forced to Look Elsewhere Amid ‘Long-Term’ Injury Fears

Anthony Elanga has been left out of Sweden’s squad after the Newcastle United winger suffered an injury that has raised fears he could face an extended spell on the sidelines.

The setback is a significant blow for Sweden manager Graham Potter, who had been counting on the 24-year-old as part of his attacking options during the upcoming international fixtures.

Elanga was already absent from Newcastle’s 4-1 defeat to Leeds United on Monday, with manager Matthias Jaissle confirming before the match that the Sweden international was struggling with an injury.

The Newcastle boss subsequently admitted that the situation did not look positive and that further medical assessment would be required to establish the severity of the problem

Elanga Misses Out as Potter Changes Plans

Elanga’s absence means Potter must now look elsewhere as Sweden prepare for their upcoming Nations League fixtures.

The Newcastle winger has established himself as an important part of Sweden’s senior squad since making his international debut in 2022.

He was also part of Sweden’s 2026 World Cup campaign and had continued to feature prominently for his country.

His pace and ability to operate from wide positions have made him a valuable option for Potter, making the timing of the injury particularly frustrating for the Sweden boss.

However, the immediate concern is now Elanga’s recovery rather than his international availability.

Newcastle Facing Anxious Wait

Newcastle’s injury situation has also become increasingly difficult.

Elanga had started Newcastle’s opening three Premier League matches of the season and had already contributed two goals before the latest setback.

His absence against Leeds forced Jaissle to make changes to his attacking options, with Newcastle eventually suffering a heavy defeat at Elland Road.

Jaissle has warned that Elanga’s injury could potentially be long-term, although the exact diagnosis and recovery timeline have not yet been established.

The Newcastle manager has indicated that another MRI scan is expected next week, meaning the club should have a clearer picture of the injury once those results are available.

For now, reports of a long-term absence remain a concern rather than a confirmed timeframe.

Potter Loses Another Attacking Option

For Sweden, Elanga’s absence adds another selection problem ahead of the international break.

Potter has already been working to manage the fitness and availability of several players, with Tottenham winger Dejan Kulusevski only recently returning to full training after a lengthy injury lay-off.

Kulusevski has been described by Potter as being close to a Sweden return, potentially giving the manager another attacking option as he deals with Elanga’s absence.

But the Newcastle winger’s situation will remain closely monitored.

Sweden will hope Elanga's latest injury does not develop into the extended absence feared by Newcastle, particularly with the club also dealing with other fitness problems.

When Will Anthony Elanga Return?

At this stage, there is no confirmed return date for Elanga.

The important development will be the outcome of his next scan and Newcastle’s subsequent assessment.

Jaissle’s comments have understandably raised concern, but the club has not yet confirmed that Elanga will definitely miss a specific number of matches.

That distinction is important.

The winger is definitely unavailable for Sweden’s upcoming fixtures, but the full extent of his Newcastle absence remains unknown.

Until the medical assessment is complete, the possibility of a long-term lay-off should therefore be treated as a concern rather than an established fact.

For Potter, the decision has already been made: Elanga cannot be selected for the upcoming Sweden squad, leaving the national-team boss to find another solution.

For Newcastle, the bigger question is how long they will have to cope without one of their most dangerous wide players.

Fan Debate

⚽ Goal: How big a blow is Elanga’s absence for Newcastle?

🔥 Fire: Should Graham Potter have waited for the full medical assessment before making his Sweden plans?

😲 Shock: Could Elanga really face a long-term spell on the sidelines?

👍 Like: Who should replace Elanga in Sweden’s attack?

💬 Comment: How important is Elanga to Newcastle this season?