Yoane Wissa has officially been ruled out of at least three more games, but for Newcastle United, the situation still carries plenty of good news. After months of waiting, the 29-year-old forward is finally close to making his long-awaited debut, even though the timing means he will not feature for DR Congo at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
What could have been a major blow for Eddie Howe has instead turned into a welcome boost during a period where Newcastle desperately need attacking depth.
Wissa has endured a frustrating spell since completing his £55million move from Brentford. Just days after joining the club, he suffered a knee injury while on international duty with DR Congo, forcing him into a long spell on the sidelines.
The setback wiped out his entire pre-season and left him without a single minute of competitive football since May. For any player, that is a huge gap in rhythm and sharpness; for a striker joining a new club in the Premier League, it makes the challenge even greater.
Despite that, Wissa has worked his way back and is now edging closer to a return. He has been back in full training at Newcastle and has already featured in two behind-closed-doors practice matches over the past week.
Those minutes were an important step in proving that he is fit enough to handle match intensity again. Even so, Newcastle are taking a cautious approach. There is no rush, no pressure, and certainly no desire to risk another setback.
Because of his long spell out and lack of recent match action, a collective decision was made between Wissa, Newcastle United, and DR Congo manager Sébastien Desabre. After discussions, everyone agreed that skipping AFCON was the right move.
Instead of travelling across the continent and pushing his body into competitive action too soon, he will stay on Tyneside, continue training, and focus purely on returning to peak condition. It is a mature decision one that prioritises his long-term future rather than short-term appearances.
This choice also benefits DR Congo. The national team has a crucial World Cup qualifying play-off in March. They haven’t reached the tournament since 1974, and this is a once-in-a-generation chance.
By then, Wissa should be fully recovered, sharp, and ready to contribute at the level expected of an international forward. Newcastle hope he will already be established in the team by that time, making him an even stronger asset for his country.
While the AFCON omission is a personal disappointment for the player, it undeniably helps Newcastle. Had he been selected, Wissa would have missed up to seven matches including a key stretch over the busy winter schedule at a time when Eddie Howe is short of attacking options.
Now, rather than losing him again just as he has returned, Newcastle can manage his recovery properly and integrate him into the squad smoothly.
Eddie Howe spoke openly about the situation, explaining that the decision was made with Wissa’s best interests in mind. The manager made it clear that the priority is ensuring the player reaches full fitness without additional stress or expectation.
Howe acknowledged that Wissa has looked sharp in training and has already shown many of the same qualities that impressed during his Brentford days his movement, pace, strength, and ability to glide past defenders with a low centre of gravity.
According to Howe, those traits are already beginning to shine through as he links up with his new teammates.
But the Newcastle boss was honest too. Wissa is not yet at his absolute physical peak. That level will take more time, and that is normal for any player returning from a long injury.
Howe compared his situation to that of Lewis Hall, who has also struggled with late-game fatigue due to limited buildup time. With the fixture congestion and injury problems Newcastle have faced, the staff simply do not have the luxury of extended preparation windows. They need players back as quickly as possible but safely.
As for his first appearance, there is cautious optimism. Wissa trained fully on Friday ahead of the Premier League match against Burnley, and there is a possibility he could be included in the matchday squad.
However, Howe was careful not to promise anything, insisting that another training session was needed before making a final decision. It is clear that Newcastle are desperate to get him involved, but equally determined not to rush him.
Newcastle’s injury list remains a concern. Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier, Emil Krafth, and Sven Botman have all been ruled out, while Wissa, Sandro Tonali, and William Osula remain doubts.
With so many players unavailable, the return of a dynamic forward like Wissa could not come at a better time.
For now, Newcastle fans can take comfort in knowing that although Wissa won’t feature for DR Congo, he is finally on the verge of stepping onto the pitch in black and white.
And after months of waiting, the timing could prove to be a blessing in disguise for both player and club.
