Yoane Wissa has arrived at Newcastle United with a huge weight on his shoulders, and the pressure around him has only grown since the day he signed. The moment the club paid £55 million to bring him in, he instantly became one of the most expensive players in Newcastle’s history.
On top of that, he was handed the famous number nine shirt, a number that carries history, expectation, and serious responsibility. Fans knew they were getting a forward with power, pace, and goals, but they also knew the price tag alone meant the spotlight would never leave him.
Unfortunately, Wissa’s start at the club has not gone the way he or anyone else imagined. A knee injury kept him out for months, delaying his first appearance and leaving supporters wondering how long they would have to wait to see him in black and white.
But now, after a long spell on the sidelines, he is finally training again with the squad. His return is close, and there is real hope that he could make his long-awaited debut against Burnley on Saturday. That match would be his first chance to show exactly why Newcastle invested so heavily in him.
Inside the training ground, the early signs could not be more encouraging. According to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, the players are already amazed by what Wissa has shown in training.
Downie shared on his YouTube channel that he recently spoke to one of the Newcastle players who has been working closely with Wissa. The player did not hesitate when describing him. He used only one word “frightening.” That word alone paints a clear picture of what Wissa has been doing behind closed doors.
Downie explained that the player told him Wissa looks “absolutely frightening,” adding that he has been “red hot in training, really sharp, finishing superb.” Comments like that will excite every Newcastle fan waiting to see him play for the first time.
It also shows that even though he has missed months of football, Wissa has not lost his edge. The squad has been impressed with his speed, his movement, and his finishing quality. For a player who has been out for so long, that kind of feedback is extremely positive.
Eddie Howe has also provided updates on Wissa’s progress. Before the game against Tottenham, Howe confirmed that Wissa had already taken part in an 11-a-side training match.
The plan now is to give him more minutes in another behind-closed-doors game to build his fitness properly. Newcastle are determined not to rush him, especially after the time he has already spent recovering.
The goal is to make sure he is fully ready, both physically and mentally, so that when he steps on the pitch for his debut, he can make an immediate impact.
Downie added that Wissa might get minutes in an under-21 match or another private game depending on how he feels and how his body responds. At one point, the club hoped he would already have played in an under-21 match last week, but those plans were pushed back slightly.
Even so, the training sessions have shown that he is moving in the right direction and getting closer to full sharpness.
One thing Newcastle no longer need to worry about is losing Wissa to the Africa Cup of Nations. It has been confirmed that DR Congo have not selected him for the tournament, meaning he will not miss any more matches because of international duty.
That decision allows him to focus entirely on recovering, training, and preparing for his Newcastle debut. For the club, this is a small but welcome relief during a season filled with injuries and unpredictable setbacks.
For Wissa, everything now comes down to timing. His debut is close, the fans are excited, and his teammates are already buzzing about what he has shown in training. If he does end up making his first appearance against Burnley, the atmosphere could be electric.
Supporters have waited months to see what he can bring, and the dream scenario would be him scoring the winner in his first game, especially in such an important fixture. A moment like that would not only calm the pressure around him but also instantly create a connection with the fans.
Wissa knows the journey has been frustrating, but the light at the end of the tunnel is finally becoming clear. His return will add energy, pace, and fresh competition to the squad at a crucial point in the season.
Newcastle invested heavily in him for a reason, and now, after months of waiting, it is almost time for him to show why.
