Newcastle United have confirmed that new signing Yoane Wissa faces around a month-and-a-half on the sidelines after picking up a knee injury during international duty with DR Congo.
The 29-year-old striker, who joined the Magpies from Brentford in a £55m deadline-day deal, missed Sunday’s 1-0 victory over Wolves at St James’ Park and underwent further medical checks this week. Newcastle’s staff referred him to a specialist, and scans revealed damage that will keep him out for four to five weeks.
The setback means Wissa is unlikely to return until after the October international break, ruling him out of at least six matches. He will sit out Premier League games against Bournemouth, Arsenal and Nottingham Forest, as well as Champions League group fixtures against Barcelona and Union Saint-Gilloise, plus a Carabao Cup tie with Bradford City.
Initial fears eased, but Howe left short
Rumours had circulated that Wissa’s injury could be an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear — a blow that would have ended his season almost before it began. Fortunately, scans confirmed there was no major ligament damage, with Newcastle hopeful the striker will return at the end of October. Even so, the club’s medical staff will manage his recovery cautiously, given the investment involved.
For manager Eddie Howe, the timing could hardly be worse. Wissa had been recruited to add pace, pressing and versatility in the forward line, qualities that seemed vital as Newcastle juggles the demands of the Premier League, Champions League and domestic cups.
Opportunities for others
With Wissa sidelined, Howe will need to shuffle his attacking options. Nick Woltemade, the 19-year-old German who scored on his debut against Wolves, is likely to lead the line in the coming weeks. Will Osula is another option, while Anthony Gordon could be pushed into a central role once his suspension ends. Gordon is available for Thursday’s Champions League clash with Barcelona but will miss the trip to Bournemouth as he completes his domestic ban.
Despite the blow, Newcastle fans can take comfort in the fact Wissa has avoided long-term damage. If his recovery goes smoothly, the striker should be available for a crucial run of fixtures in late October, when the Magpies face both European and domestic challenges that could shape their season.
