Newcastle United have been given a huge lift ahead of their Premier League meeting with Burnley, and the mood around St James’ Park has shifted noticeably with the return of two important players.
After months of waiting, Yoane Wissa is finally close to making his debut for the club, while Sandro Tonali has shaken off the leg issue that forced him off in midweek. Both were seen arriving at the stadium earlier today, a sign that they are likely to play some part in the match, and their presence alone is enough to give supporters a spark of optimism.
Wissa’s situation has been followed closely ever since the day he signed for £55 million from Brentford. His injury came at a painful moment, just as expectations were rising, and his long spell on the sidelines has left fans eager to see what he can bring.
The posterior cruciate ligament injury he picked up on international duty with DR Congo kept him out far longer than anyone hoped, but he has now completed a full week of training and has managed two 11-a-side sessions without any setbacks.
Eddie Howe said the extra match work was done largely for Wissa’s benefit, giving him a chance to feel real pressure again. The half-hour he played in the controlled environment was encouraging, even if the club still wants to be cautious.
Howe has made it clear that although Wissa is physically available, he is not yet at full fitness. The Newcastle head coach explained that after such a long break, the forward ideally needs the equivalent of a six-week pre-season.
That kind of preparation simply isn’t possible at this stage of the campaign, particularly with Newcastle playing so many fixtures and dealing with several other injuries throughout the squad. Even so, Howe has been impressed with Wissa’s movement, sharpness and the natural chemistry he is already forming with the players around him.
His low centre of gravity, quick bursts of acceleration and ability to link with teammates are all qualities Newcastle desperately need, especially after losing Alexander Isak during the summer.
Despite coming back earlier than initially expected, Wissa’s return is viewed as a huge boost for the club. Last season, he scored 19 goals in the Premier League an extraordinary number when you consider that only Mohamed Salah, Erling Haaland and Isak, who was later sold to Liverpool for a record-breaking fee, managed more.
That kind of output is rare, and Newcastle have struggled for cutting edge in recent weeks. Howe knows Wissa has the quality to change games instantly, but he is equally aware of the risks of pushing him too quickly.
He stressed that there must be a balance between the team’s immediate needs and the long-term aim of keeping Wissa healthy for the rest of the season. Still, in their current situation, Newcastle may not have the luxury of easing him in slowly.
Tonali’s return is equally important. The Italian midfielder gave supporters a scare when he was forced off against Tottenham. He looked uncomfortable at the break, and with so many key players already sidelined, the sight of him limping added more concern.
Fortunately, the scan he underwent revealed no serious damage. Howe compared the issue to the dead-leg Joelinton recently suffered, describing it more as an impact injury than something structural. Because of this, the coaching staff were always hopeful he would recover in time, and they have now confirmed he is in contention.
Tonali’s role in Newcastle’s midfield is crucial. His ability to control the tempo, break up play, and drive forward with purpose gives the team a sense of balance they often lack when he isn’t on the pitch. Without him, Newcastle can look stretched and vulnerable, especially in games where they struggle to win second balls.
Howe made it clear that Tonali would be given every chance to declare himself fit, and now that he has recovered well overnight, he is expected to feature. His presence should add stability and confidence at a time when Newcastle desperately need both.
As the team prepares to face Burnley, the return of Wissa and Tonali changes the mood entirely. For weeks, Newcastle have looked short on energy and lacking unpredictability in the final third. Wissa offers that spark, the kind of player who can turn a quiet attack into a dangerous one with a single run.
Even from the bench, his influence could be significant. Tonali, on the other hand, gives Howe the ability to trust the midfield in a way he couldn’t earlier in the season. With his intelligence and physicality, Newcastle immediately become harder to break down.
These returns won’t fix everything, and Howe knows that. But on a day when they need three points and a performance that settles nerves, having two key players back in the squad is the best news they could have hoped for.
