Anthony Elanga
NewcastleRW
One-v-One Creator
Apr 27, 2002 (24)
Right
5'10"
154 lb
WC goal-scoring ends
Elanga logged four inaccurate crosses and one chance created during Sweden's 3-0 loss to France on Tuesday.
Analysis: Unfortunately for Elanga, France defeating Sweden in the World Cup confirms that his WC campaign has finished after a glorious run. After barely playing Sweden's group-stage opener, he logged a consolation goal against the Netherlands. By scoring during the Sweden-Japan game, Elanga not only earned another start but also created a brief streak, which abruptly ended Tuesday. Apart from the goal-scoring, most of Elanga's other value is from cross attempts, but all of his 12 were inaccurate. Ideally for Elanga, whether with Newcastle United or elsewhere, his recent form will carry over, considering he has not recorded a domestic-league goal with the Magpies.
Scored equaliser in 1-1 draw
Elanga scored one goal to go with two shots (two on goal) and three crosses (zero accurate) in Thursday's 1-1 draw against Japan.
Analysis: Elanga scored Sweden's only goal of the game in the 1-1 draw with Japan. This goal confirmed third place in the group, and with four points, they should be enough to ensure qualification to the round of 32. The goal was assisted by Viktor Gyokeres and came across the goal at the perfect height to catch the Japanese keeper off guard. The ball came in looking as if Alexander Isak could head it in and therefore the keeper was unable to commit to the whipped ball which found the far corner.
Scores stunning equalizer
Elanga scored one goal to go with two shots (two on goal) and three crosses (zero accurate) in Thursday's 1-1 draw versus Japan.
Analysis: Elanga came up with a moment of brilliance in the 62nd minute, weaving through the Japanese defense before curling a superb left-footed finish into the left corner to level the match and punch Sweden's ticket to the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams from Group F. He nearly played hero again in stoppage time, but Zion Suzuki came up with a big save after the Newcastle winger burst into the box. Elanga finished the group stage with two goals in three World Cup matches, establishing himself as Sweden's most dangerous attacking threat under coach Graham Potter.
Nets in loss
Elanga scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal), five crosses (zero accurate) and one corner in Saturday's 5-1 defeat against Netherlands.
Analysis: Elanga scored once off the bench during Saturday's win. The goal is a nice boon, but it was a one-sided defeat that showed few signs of life for Sweden. The winger did well in his limited chances off the bench, but he was limited with a formation that doesn't encourage wing play. Elanga could get a larger role in the group stage finale after this goal.
Subs in late versus Tunisia
Elanga (knee) was inserted very late in Sunday's 5-1 victory over Tunisia, without recording any stat.
Analysis: Elanga was fit following an injury scare in early June, but he was managed carefully in the opener, only playing in the final stages of the game, which was well out of hand at that point. He could compete with Benjamin Nygren and Lucas Bergvall once he's in better shape, while Yasin Ayari started the tournament with a brace. Elanga tallied two goals and one assist in 42 games (20 starts) with Newcastle United in 2025/2026.
Good to go Sunday
Elanga (knee) is available for Sunday's clash with Tunisia, according to manager Graham Potter. "All players are available and ready to play (against Tunisia). I have a pretty clear picture of what the starting eleven will look like and have had it for a while."
Analysis: Elanga picked up a knee contusion at the start of the Swedish training camp, but it appears his recovery has gone as expected. He's back fit and available for the opening clash with Tunisia, where he should be an option in the attack. Elanga will likely be a bench option to start, but he should get his chances off the bench in attacking midfield and as a wide option if needed.
Returns ahead of World Cup
Elanga (knee) was seen back in training with the Sweden squad, according to the federation.
Analysis: Elanga's return to the training pitch is an encouraging development after the knee-on-knee collision that had raised immediate concerns following Thursday's draw against Greece. The Newcastle winger had played down the severity of the issue in the immediate aftermath, and his presence in training suggests the knock has settled as expected. Sweden will be relieved to have one of their key attacking options back in contention heading into the World Cup, with Elanga expected to start on the right wing under coach Graham Potter.
Knee collision causes concern
Elanga (knee) was left on the pitch receiving medical attention after sustaining a knee-on-knee collision during an additional training session following Thursday's 2-2 draw against Greece, though the Newcastle winger played down the severity of the issue, according to Aftonbladet. "When you get knee on knee, the pain is indescribable. But it disappears after a day or two. You always imagine the worst when you have knee pain. But everything is fine."
Analysis: Elanga had already suffered a similar knee-on-knee collision during the match itself before the second incident occurred in the post-game session, leaving him in significant pain and requiring medical attention from the national team staff. Coach Graham Potter confirmed the incident was a knee knock rather than anything more serious, and the positive assessment from both player and coach suggests Sweden should have the winger available for their World Cup campaign despite the natural concern that accompanies any knee injury at such a critical time.
Expected to start on right wing
Elanga has been named in Sweden's World Cup squad and is expected to start on the right wing under coach Jon Dahl Tomasson, arriving at the tournament after a difficult season with Newcastle United that saw him struggle for consistent playing time.
Analysis: Elanga managed two goals and one assist across 44 appearances including just 21 starts this season, a frustrating campaign for a player who had shown so much promise in previous years. His pace, directness and ability to beat defenders in one-on-one situations remain his most dangerous attributes, and his energy and work rate off the ball make him a valuable contributor in manager Jon Dahl Tomasson's pressing system regardless of his attacking output. For Sweden, Elanga provides the width and dynamism on the right flank that allows Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak to operate more centrally. The World Cup represents a significant opportunity for the 24-year-old to reestablish himself on the biggest stage after a frustrating domestic campaign.
Scores brace in defeat
Elanga scored two goals to go with two shots (two on goal), two crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Wednesday's 7-2 loss to Barcelona.
Analysis: Elanga came out firing with a first-half brace and for a stretch looked like he might carry Newcastle to a statement upset on the road, opening the scoring with sharp link-up play down the left before burying a second to level things at 2-2 in a chaotic opening half-hour. Barcelona's class took over after the break and pulled the game away, but Elanga's off-ball movement and clinical finishing stood out as clear positives for the visitors. Those were his first goals of the season in 38 appearances across all competitions, and Newcastle will be counting on this breakout to spark more end-product from him down the stretch.
Quiet outing against City
Elanga generated one shot (zero on goal), two crosses (zero accurate) and one corner in Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Manchester City.
Analysis: Elanga would see the start for a second straight match Saturday, earning 78 minutes, but not his best match of the season. He would only record one shot and two crosses, going without a chance created. He remains at only one assist this campaign, a tough start to life with Newcastle.
10 crosses in Tuesday's win
Elanga generated 10 crosses (two accurate) and four corners in Tuesday's 2-1 win against Tottenham Hotspur.
Analysis: Elanga recorded 10 crosses in Tuesday's win, tying his season-best effort which came all the way back on Aug. 25. He created multiple chances in his second straight match and took four corners for just the second time this season. Coming off a productive season with Nottingham Forest last year, Elanga has struggled to find his way in Newcastle, recording just one goal contribution across 29 appearances in the Premier League and Champions League.
Records 21 minutes in cup
Elanga (knee) created one scoring chance over 21 minutes as a substitute in Tuesday's EFL Cup loss to Manchester City.
Analysis: Elanga bounced back from the injury that forced him to miss the previous five games across all competitions. It's unclear if he'll get plenty of minutes in upcoming games, but he could contend with Harvey Barnes on the right flank if Jacob Murphy (hamstring) is ruled out. The former Manchester United man has failed to score and provided just one assist during 26 appearances this season.
Could return in Cup
Elanga (knee) could return in Tuesday's Carabao Cup first semifinal leg against Manchester City, coach Eddie Howe said in the press conference, according to Jordan Cronin from NewcastleWorld.
Analysis: Elanga is nearing a return from a knee injury that made him miss all the games since late December and could make his return in Tuesday's first leg of the Carabao Cup semifinal against Manchester City. His return would be a great news for the Magpies to give a boost to the frontline, although Elanga is expected to claim back a rotational role in the frontline, with Yoane Wissa looking to keep a starting role for Newcastle.
Not available Wednesday
Elanga is dealing with a knee injury and won't make it for Wednesday's clash against Leeds United, coach Eddie Howe said in the press conference, according to Craig Hope from the Daily Mirror.
Analysis: Elanga missed the last three games due to a knee injury and will miss Wednesday's clash against Leeds United after being labelled a late call in the recent days. The forward is nearing a return but the game on Wednesday is coming too soon for him. His next chance to return will come against Bournemouth on Saturday, leaving Harvey Barnes some space to see increased playing time in the frontline while he is still sidelined.
Late call Wednesday
Elanga (undisclosed) resumed team training and will be a late call for Wednesday's clash against Leeds United, according to Kyle Newbould from the Yorkshire Evening Post.
Analysis: Elanga missed the last three games due to a knock that he has been struggling to get rid of and will be a late call for Wednesday's clash against Leeds United after resuming team training with the Magpies in recent days. This would be a boost for the attack since Jacob Murphy (hamstring) is also a doubt for that game, reducing the options in the frontline for coach Eddie Howe. Harvey Barnes is likely to see increased playing time if both remain out.
Almost joins group training
Elanga (undisclosed) is nearing a return to group training, according to manager Eddie Howe. "Anthony hasn't trained with us yet ,but is very."
Analysis: Elanga is still dealing with a knock but is on the verge of a return, with the attacker almost joining the group for training. This likely leaves him with a return next week when facing Leeds United on Wednesday or against Bournemouth on Jan. 10, hoping to help his team during the busy stretch. He has struggled for time following his transfer this summer, with seven starts in 17 appearances while only recording one assist.
Dealing with knock
Elanga (undisclosed) missed Thursday's loss to Manchester United due to a knock, manager Eddie Howe confirmed in the post-game press conference. "He took a knock against Chelsea. We don't think it's too serious and we hope to have him back pretty quickly."
Analysis: Elanga is the latest player on Newcastle's injury list alongside Kieran Trippier (hamstring), Dan Burn (ribs), Sven Botman (back), Emil Krafth (knee), Tino Livramento (knee) and William Osula (ankle). The injury doesn't seem serious, though, and Elanga might have a shot at returning to action when facing Burnley on Dec. 30 in the Magpies' final game of the calendar year.
Misses out due to injury
Elanga won't be available for Friday's game against Manchester United after sustaining an injury in the 2-2 draw against Chelsea on Saturday, Dec. 20.
Analysis: The extent of the injury hasn't been revealed, but the issue was severe enough to have Elanga sidelined to face his former team on a quick turnaround. Elanga has started in just seven of his 17 Premier League appearances this season, so his absence shouldn't carry a lot of fantasy upside. It remains to be seen if he'll be available to face Burnley on Tuesday, Dec. 30.
Three shots and six crosses in win
Elanga generated three shots (one on goal), six crosses (zero accurate) and one corner in Saturday's 2-1 win versus Burnley.
Analysis: Despite his impressive efforts, Elanga was not involved of either of his squad's two goals in the win. His three shots in the match mark a new season high, while he is now up to three shots on target over the last four games. Additionally, his 32 completed passes marked another season high. On the other hand, this marked the fourth time in 15 league appearances that he delivered at least five crosses, but he has not landed one accurately in the last five of those outings.
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