Yoane Wissa’s start to life as a Newcastle United player has been far from smooth. Since his £55 million move from Brentford on deadline day in the summer, the forward has yet to make his debut for the Magpies.
What was expected to be an exciting new chapter in his career quickly turned frustrating after an untimely injury kept him out of action before he even got the chance to train with his new teammates.
Wissa’s transfer had already drawn plenty of attention. Like Alexander Isak before him, the 29-year-old reportedly made it clear he wanted the move to happen, with Brentford holding firm until Newcastle met their valuation.
The price tag raised eyebrows among some fans and pundits, given his age and the fee involved. However, Newcastle were convinced of his quality, work rate, and ability to add depth and experience to their attacking options.
Unfortunately, only a few days after sealing his move, Wissa picked up a knee injury while on international duty.
It was a cruel twist of fate for both player and club, as the Congolese forward’s excitement about joining one of the Premier League’s most ambitious sides was quickly dampened by bad luck. Since then, he has not trained with the squad or featured in any matchday activity.
During the recent international break, speculation began to circulate online about the true nature of his injury. Rumours claimed that Wissa had suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury that would keep him out for the rest of the season.
The reports even suggested Newcastle were waiting for the break to end before making an official announcement — a rumour that sent worry through supporters desperate to see him in black and white.
However, reliable journalist Craig Hope has now cleared up the confusion in his Newcastle Confidential column for the Daily Mail. He confirmed that Wissa’s ACL is completely fine. Instead, the injury affects his posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) still a concern, but far less serious than initially feared.
Hope explained that PCL injuries can vary greatly in recovery time, ranging from just a few weeks to several months, depending on whether surgery is required. Thankfully, Wissa will not need an operation, which has allowed the club to remain optimistic about his return.
According to Hope, Newcastle’s medical team still needs the swelling around Wissa’s knee to fully subside before he can resume training.
That’s the only lingering uncertainty, but the outlook is positive. The forward remains on track to return sometime in November, provided his recovery continues smoothly.
Initially, the plan was for Wissa to be ready in time for the game against West Ham United on November 2nd, but new information suggests his comeback could be pushed back slightly.
If that’s the case, he might make his long-awaited debut the following week and, in a twist of football fate, it could come against his former club, Brentford.
The prospect of Wissa facing the team he left behind would undoubtedly add extra drama to his first appearance in a Newcastle shirt. While the club won’t rush his recovery for sentimental reasons, the timing would be poetic.
It would give Wissa the chance to mark his Newcastle debut in the most fitting way possible against the side where he made his name in the Premier League.
For now, Newcastle fans must remain patient. The medical staff are taking every precaution to ensure the forward returns fully fit, avoiding any setbacks that could prolong his absence.
After all, with the club juggling a demanding fixture list across multiple competitions, having Wissa back will be a huge boost to Eddie Howe’s attacking options.
His pace, creativity, and finishing ability were key factors behind Newcastle’s decision to bring him in, and supporters are eager to finally see what he can bring to the team.
With a November return looking likely, Wissa’s long wait to step onto the pitch for his new club may soon come to an end and if that debut happens to be against Brentford, it would be a story football fans couldn’t script any better.
