Eddie Howe has confirmed that Yoane Wissa is still not fully fit, and that reality means Newcastle United supporters will need to remain patient a little longer after another frustrating afternoon ended in defeat to Sunderland.
The striker’s return to action has been slow, cautious and carefully managed, and the brief appearances he is making for the Magpies look set to continue for now.
Wissa finally pulled on a Newcastle shirt earlier this month, a long 96 days after completing his move from Brentford. Given his reputation and his impressive record of 19 Premier League goals last season without scoring a single penalty, expectations were naturally high.
Supporters hoped he could provide an immediate lift to an attack that has often looked blunt and short of ideas. Instead, his involvement has been limited to short cameos, with fitness still holding him back.
The forward’s injury issues are no fault of his own. He suffered a knee problem while on international duty with DR Congo back in September, an unfortunate setback that disrupted his rhythm and delayed his integration into the Newcastle squad.
He is also skipping the Africa Cup of Nations in order to focus fully on his recovery and club form, a decision that underlines his commitment to making a real impact on Tyneside. Even so, the road back to full sharpness has been longer than many hoped.
So far this season, Wissa has played just 32 minutes of football for Newcastle. On that evidence alone, it is clear that asking him to start games or play anywhere close to 90 minutes would be a risk.
Howe has made it clear that he will not rush the striker back before he is ready, especially given the physical demands of the Premier League and the intensity of games like the Tyne-Wear derby.
After the loss to Sunderland, Howe was asked directly about Wissa’s condition. His answer was honest and measured. He admitted that the forward is not ready to complete a full match, but felt he was capable of contributing in the limited minutes he was given.
That sums up Newcastle’s situation perfectly. Wissa can help in small doses, but he is not yet the solution to their attacking problems.
Against Sunderland, Nick Woltemade led the line and, like much of the team, struggled to make an impact. He looked isolated for long periods and visibly tired as the game wore on.
Despite that, he stayed on the pitch for 75 minutes before Wissa was introduced. By that point, the damage had already been done, and the substitute had little chance to influence the contest.
The wider issue for Newcastle is that they are stretched in attacking areas. With William Osula sidelined by an ankle injury, options are limited. That puts extra pressure on Woltemade, who is being asked to carry a heavy workload at a difficult time.
Ideally, Wissa would be fit enough to rotate or even start games, allowing others some rest, but that is simply not realistic right now.
There is also the mental challenge to consider. Woltemade’s own goal against Sunderland will take time to process, especially given the significance of the fixture.
Being thrust straight back into the spotlight without adequate support is far from ideal, but circumstances have left Howe with few alternatives.
Looking ahead, there is a growing sense that Wissa may not start a game for Newcastle until early 2026. While that may sound extreme, it reflects the seriousness of his injury and the cautious approach the club is taking.
Rushing him back could cause further setbacks, something Newcastle can ill afford after already investing heavily in him.
For now, Newcastle find themselves stuck in a difficult cycle. Results are inconsistent, confidence is low, and key players are either injured or short of full fitness.
Wissa’s gradual return is a small positive, but it is not yet enough to change the bigger picture. Until he is fully fit and able to contribute regularly, the Magpies will continue to rely on makeshift solutions and hope that effort and organisation can make up for a lack of cutting edge.
Patience is not easy, especially after a derby defeat, but it is the only realistic option. Wissa will come good in time, but Newcastle’s struggles suggest that the wait may be longer than anyone would like.
