Newcastle United have been handed a welcome boost as both Yoane Wissa and Tino Livramento edge closer to full fitness. After weeks of frustration and uncertainty, there’s finally light at the end of the tunnel for Eddie Howe’s side. However, while the injury situation is improving, the club could still face some difficult decisions ahead of the January transfer window.
Yoane Wissa, who arrived at St James’ Park in a £55 million move from Brentford over the summer, has yet to make his debut for the Magpies. The forward suffered a knee injury while on international duty, sidelining him for more than two months.
It was a huge blow for both player and manager, as Wissa was expected to add pace and energy to Newcastle’s attack. Thankfully, his recovery has gone well, and he is now back on the training pitch building fitness. Eddie Howe recently confirmed that the Congolese international is progressing positively and could soon be in contention for selection after the international break.
Speaking before the break, Howe shared an encouraging update on Wissa’s progress, saying the forward was “on the grass, working well, and building his sharpness.”
He added that Wissa’s knee feels strong and stable but emphasized the need for patience, noting that match fitness and sharpness take time. The manager wants to ensure Wissa is completely ready to deliver his best version for the team rather than rushing him back prematurely.
Despite the positive update, Newcastle may face a fresh setback with Wissa’s potential involvement in the upcoming African Cup of Nations. If selected to represent DR Congo, he could be unavailable for several weeks between December and January.
Depending on how far his nation progresses in the tournament, Wissa might miss as many as seven club matches. While his return would strengthen Newcastle’s squad, the timing of AFCON could limit his immediate impact in the Premier League campaign.
Tino Livramento’s situation is slightly different. The young full-back has been a reliable performer for Newcastle, capable of operating effectively on both flanks. However, he suffered a knee injury during the team’s 2-1 loss to Arsenal and has been sidelined since.
His absence has been felt deeply, especially given his versatility and defensive stability. The good news is that Livramento is now back training on the grass and could also return shortly after the international break.
Dan Burn’s red card against Brentford means he will miss the clash against Manchester City, which opens the door for Lewis Hall to feature at left-back.
However, if Livramento recovers in time, he could also be in contention for that high-profile fixture. Newcastle’s medical staff remain cautious but optimistic that both players could make their return before the busy festive period.
Amid these positive developments, two other Newcastle players Harrison Ashby and Ben Parkinson have also made returns from injury, offering further depth to Howe’s squad. Ashby, who joined from West Ham United almost three years ago, recently featured for the club’s Under-21s in a 3-2 victory over Burnley after recovering from a groin injury.
Despite being included in Newcastle’s Premier League squad, the 23-year-old has yet to make his competitive debut and could leave on loan in January to gain more experience.
Ben Parkinson, another promising talent, also made his comeback in that same Under-21 fixture after a long spell out injured. The 20-year-old forward was one of Newcastle’s most exciting academy prospects last season, scoring 12 goals in just 16 appearances for the youth side.
Injuries have halted his momentum, but his return to action provides a fresh opportunity to rebuild his form and confidence. Like Ashby, Parkinson is expected to be available for loan in January as Newcastle look to manage the development of their younger players.
As the January transfer window approaches, Newcastle’s situation reflects both promise and challenge. The returns of Wissa and Livramento offer significant relief for a side that has battled injury issues all season.
However, balancing recovery timelines, potential international duties, and the need for consistent squad depth will test Howe’s management once again.
Ultimately, the next few weeks could shape how Newcastle approach the second half of the season. With Wissa and Livramento nearing a comeback, Ashby and Parkinson regaining fitness, and several key fixtures ahead, the Magpies are slowly regaining strength.
The hope within the club is that this positive momentum continues and that the team’s growing depth can finally deliver the consistency required to compete at the highest level once more.
