Newcastle were taking on Valencia in a pre-season friendly on Saturday night at the Mestalla as they continued their preparations for the new Premier League campaign

Newcastle United's newly appointed manager, Matthias Jaissle, sprinted onto the field to shield Anthony Elanga after the forward received a hefty challenge from Valencia defender Jose Gaya.

The Magpies faced the La Liga outfit in a pre-season friendly on Saturday night at the Mestalla as part of their build-up to the upcoming Premier League season.

Jaissle, overseeing his first match since succeeding Eddie Howe at the helm, was spotted attempting to safeguard Elanga after the Sweden international was left grounded following Gaya's tackle.

Elanga required a stretcher to leave the pitch while in discomfort, though reports suggest the Newcastle player has avoided serious harm and was mobile in the changing room following medical attention.

The ex-Manchester United attacker is understood to have sustained a shin contusion, but appears to have escaped a significant injury, reports the Mirror.

In the aftermath of the incident, referee Jose Martinez brandished a red card to Gaya, with the confrontation sparking a mass altercation involving 25 players.

Jaissle, accompanied by his complete coaching team, hurried onto the pitch as Elanga remained down on the grass after the challenge. Martinez required merely three seconds to dismiss Gaya.

Newcastle were compelled to withdraw Elanga, with Jacob Murphy promptly brought on in his place, while Valencia were obliged to play out the remainder with ten men.

Gaya's two-footed challenge launched Elanga into the air before he crashed down heavily, sparking outrage amongst his Newcastle teammates.

William Osula was among the first to reach Elanga to check on his wellbeing, with an instant decision taken to bring him off.

The severity of Elanga's injury is yet to be confirmed as he left the pitch holding his knee in obvious pain, a major blow for Newcastle given his contribution in the opening period.

Elanga had seen a goal disallowed for a tight offside call in the first half and delivered a strong display prior to the injury.

Newcastle subsequently made four additional changes at the interval as Aladji Bamba, Osula, Harvey Barnes and Leo Shahar were all replaced.