Newcastle United may soon receive a much-needed lift as one of their sidelined players edges closer to an unexpected early return. It comes at a moment when Eddie Howe’s side could use every advantage possible, especially after yet another frustrating night in the Premier League that once again left supporters asking how the team let crucial points slip away.
The draw against Tottenham Hotspur felt like a defeat for many Newcastle fans, and even Eddie Howe could not disguise his frustration. For a manager who rarely criticises his players in public, his comments after the match revealed just how concerned he is about recurring issues.
Newcastle took the lead twice and still could not walk away with all three points, undone by avoidable mistakes at key moments. Howe admitted that “individual errors” cost his side, and said it has happened too often this season to simply brush aside.
His honesty reflected how damaging these dropped points have been. Newcastle have shown that they can compete with strong opposition, but their inability to manage games in the final stages has repeatedly undermined their efforts.
The late equaliser from Tottenham was another painful reminder that the team must improve defensively in high-pressure situations.
Howe stressed that while such moments happen in football, they have occurred far too frequently for Newcastle this season, and they need to be fixed quickly if the team wants to stay competitive.
Tottenham will claim their dramatic late goal balanced out Newcastle’s controversial penalty earlier in the match, which Anthony Gordon converted.
That incident sparked strong debate, with pundit Jamie Redknapp calling for more consistency from referees. But for Howe, the bigger issue is not the officiating it is his own squad’s decision-making.
With December packed full of fixtures, these small details can quickly snowball into bigger problems if not addressed immediately.
Against that backdrop, the news surrounding Yoane Wissa will be welcomed by the manager and supporters alike. According to journalist Craig Hope of the Daily Mail, Wissa is now pushing to make a shock return as early as this weekend.
He has already taken part in a training ground match, which is usually the final step before a player is reintegrated into the matchday squad. If he continues progressing at this rate, he could take a place on the bench for the upcoming clash with Burnley.
Wissa’s situation has been disappointing for everyone involved. Signed in the summer with high expectations, he barely had time to settle in before suffering an injury that halted the momentum he hoped to build.
Instead of making an instant impact at St James’ Park, he has spent months recovering, watching from the sidelines as Newcastle battled inconsistency and a growing injury list.
Now, with his comeback on the horizon, the timing feels perfect. The festive period is notoriously demanding, and Howe will need every attacking option available.
Thomas Frank once described Wissa as “remarkable,” a word that reflects his ability to change games with unpredictable movement and sharp finishing.
Newcastle fans have yet to see that version of him, but his return presents a new dynamic for the team. His mobility and instinct inside the box could give Howe a different type of threat, particularly in matches where Newcastle struggle to break down stubborn opponents.
His comeback also adds another layer of competition for Nick Woltemade, who has adapted quickly and impressed with his consistency since joining the club. Woltemade has become a key part of the attack, but Wissa’s availability means he will now have to fight harder to keep his place in the starting lineup.
Howe’s decision on how to balance the two forwards will be closely watched, but competition tends to elevate performance, and Newcastle certainly need that right now.
Whether Wissa features against Burnley or not, the fact he is so close to returning is a major boost for Newcastle at a crucial stage of the season. The team’s recent shortcomings have exposed the need for fresh energy, sharper decision-making and more cutting edge in attack.
Wissa’s comeback could arrive at exactly the right time not just for the team, but for a manager looking for solutions as the pressure of the season ramps up.
