Yoane Wissa is entering one of the most crucial weeks of his professional career, even though he remains sidelined from action for Newcastle United.
The striker, who joined from Brentford in a £55 million summer transfer, has yet to make his debut for the Magpies due to injury. For Newcastle fans, this international break isn’t about watching their star forward in action it’s about hoping he continues his recovery and finally gets fit enough to pull on the black and white shirt for the first time.
Wissa’s absence has been deeply felt by Eddie Howe’s side. The Congolese international was brought in to strengthen Newcastle’s attack and add a fresh dimension to their frontline, but his ongoing fitness issues have delayed his introduction.
The club still believes that Wissa will make a major impact once he returns, yet frustration is growing as fans expected him to have already settled in and started contributing goals. What complicates matters further is the looming Africa Cup of Nations, which could pull him away from club duty just when he’s ready to return.
While Newcastle supporters focus on his recovery, Wissa’s attention is divided between club commitments and international aspirations. This week could shape the future of DR Congo’s World Cup dream a campaign he is currently forced to watch from the sidelines.
The Congolese national team remains in contention to reach the 2026 World Cup, but they face a challenging playoff path to get there. Alongside Nigeria, Gabon, and Cameroon, DR Congo are one of four African nations still fighting for a place in the tournament.
As it stands, DR Congo are set to face Cameroon, while Nigeria will take on Gabon in another semi-final clash. The winners of these ties will meet in a decisive final on Sunday, with the victor earning a spot in the inter-confederation playoffs scheduled for March.
Had Wissa been fit, he would have been at the heart of DR Congo’s efforts to progress, as he remains their most dangerous attacking threat. Instead, he can only support from afar, hoping his teammates can do enough to keep their World Cup hopes alive until he’s able to rejoin them.
If DR Congo do make it through, Wissa should be back in time to help lead the charge in the next stage of qualification.
By then, Newcastle will also be counting on him to be fully fit and ready to add firepower to their attack, especially as the fixture list becomes more demanding. His return will be vital for Eddie Howe, who has struggled with a series of injuries to key players this season.
Looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup, Newcastle could have several representatives on the global stage. Bruno Guimarães is the most certain candidate, with Brazil having already secured qualification.
The Magpies’ captain has become an essential part of Carlo Ancelotti’s midfield setup, making him a guaranteed inclusion for the Selecão. There’s also a chance Joelinton could join him if he can maintain form and fitness leading up to the tournament.
From an English perspective, Newcastle are likely to have a few names in contention for Gareth Southgate’s successor now Thomas Tuchel when he selects his squad.
Anthony Gordon and Dan Burn have both impressed enough to be serious contenders for England call-ups, while young full-back Tino Livramento and defender Lewis Hall are pushing to break into the senior setup.
Goalkeeper Nick Pope was part of the most recent England squad, but a concussion sustained against Brentford forced him to withdraw from international duty.
For now, all eyes remain on Yoane Wissa’s recovery. Newcastle fans are eager to finally see the player they invested heavily in make his mark, while DR Congo supporters hope his absence doesn’t derail their World Cup journey.
It’s a defining moment in Wissa’s career a time when patience, perseverance, and fitness will determine not only his impact at St James’ Park but also his place on football’s biggest stage.
