Newcastle’s Matthias Jaissle on Crystal Palace’s Big Test in Pre-Match Presser

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Newcastle head coach Matthias Jaissle gave an injury update in his pre-match press conference ahead of the trip to Crystal Palace. The Premier League Matchweek 8 game is at Selhurst Park on Sunday 25 October, with kick-off at 2pm and Paul Tierney as referee.

His comments centred on two players returning from injury, Tino Livramento and Elanga. Newcastle are 11th with 8 points from 7 games, while Palace are 14th with 7 points.

Livramento: no rush

“With Tino, we need to be cautious, and we don’t rush him”

What he said

Jaissle was asked about Livramento, who is on Newcastle’s absence list with a knee injury. He said the club is taking a careful approach with the full-back.

What he meant

The message is that Newcastle will not risk a setback to make a single game. Livramento is one of three Newcastle players listed as absent, along with Dan Burn (ankle) and William Osula (foot).

Palace have one listed absentee, Chadi Riad (knee), so the injury picture is heavier on the visitors’ side.

Livramento: a timeline in weeks

“We know about his injury situation and history but we’re optimistic in the next few weeks we can bring him back step by step.”

What he said

Jaissle gave a loose timeframe for Livramento’s return. He referred to the player’s injury history and said the club is optimistic.

What he meant

“The next few weeks” points to a return after Sunday’s game, and the phrase “step by step” suggests a gradual build-up rather than an immediate return to the starting line-up.

The tone is positive but measured. Jaissle offered no date.

Elanga: a slow process

“Unfortunately, he’s been out for many, many weeks. Now, it’s the process is to bring him back slowly but surely in a smart way and not too much in a hurry.”

What he said

Jaissle then turned to Elanga, who he said has been out for “many, many weeks”. He described the plan for bringing the player back as a slow, careful one.

What he meant

Jaissle is stressing patience over speed. After such a long layoff, Newcastle appear intent on avoiding a rushed return.

With Newcastle having lost their last two matches, 4-1 at Coventry and 1-0 at home to Aston Villa, there is a case for urgency. Jaissle’s words suggest the club is not letting results dictate the timetable.

Elanga: back in training

“Hopefully, next week, he is about to train again with the group, at least partially, and we then integrate him again step-by-step.”

What he said

Jaissle said he hopes Elanga will train with the group again next week, at least in part. He added that Newcastle will then bring him back in stages.

What he meant

The use of “hopefully” and “at least partially” shows Jaissle is not promising a full return to training. Elanga looks unlikely to feature at Selhurst Park, since the earliest he expects him back with the group is after this game.

It is a small piece of good news in an update dominated by absences.

Confidence check: Measured

Jaissle sounds measured. His answers were about managing injuries rather than the match itself, and in the quotes provided he said nothing about Palace or his own team’s form. He used cautious phrases such as “we need to be cautious”, “hopefully” and “not too much in a hurry”.

The numbers explain the careful tone. Newcastle have won 1 of their last five league games, drawn 1 and lost 3, and have conceded 14 goals in seven league matches while scoring 10. Their last two results were a 4-1 defeat at Coventry and a 1-0 home defeat by Aston Villa.

Palace are not in great shape either. They have conceded 17 league goals in seven games and lost four, though they have won two of their last five. Only one point separates the sides in the table, and Jaissle’s comments suggest a coach protecting his injured players rather than speaking with bravado.

How to watch

Crystal Palace vs Newcastle kicks off at 2pm UK time on Sunday 25 October, live on NOW.

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