Navigating a long football season is a constant balancing act for any manager, especially when it comes to player fitness.
A team’s fortunes can often hinge on the availability of its key players, and the news from the treatment room is followed as closely as the results on the pitch.
For Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe, the international break last month brought a double dose of frustration, with two of his major new signings picking up injuries before they had a chance to properly integrate into the squad.
Now, as the team prepares for its next match, there is a mix of encouraging news and a disappointing setback on the injury front.
The two players in question are midfielders Jacob Ramsey and forward Yoane Wissa. Ramsey was the first to arrive, joining from Aston Villa in a deal worth £39 million.
He managed to make a brief debut off the bench in the thrilling match against Liverpool, but then suffered an injury during his first start for the club away at Leeds United.
Shortly after, the club completed the signing of Yoane Wissa from Brentford for £55 million. In a cruel twist of fate, Wissa picked up a knee injury while on international duty with the Democratic Republic of Congo before he had even trained with his new teammates.
It was a difficult situation, leaving the club’s two significant summer investments sidelined before they could make any meaningful impact.
As the team returns from a morale-boosting 4-0 victory in the Champions League, Manager Eddie Howe has provided a fresh update on the recovery of these players, and the news is a tale of two timelines.
For Jacob Ramsey, the outlook is suddenly very positive. Initially, it was thought he would be out of action until after the upcoming international break. However, in his recent press conference, Howe delivered a welcome surprise, revealing that Ramsey “could be involved this weekend.”
This is a significant acceleration in his recovery and a major boost for the squad. His energy and drive from midfield have been missed, and his potential return adds a valuable option for Howe as the fixture list becomes increasingly congested.
Unfortunately, the update on Yoane Wissa is less optimistic. The initial diagnosis suggested a six-week absence, but after a follow-up appointment with a specialist, the club now believes his recovery will take closer to eight weeks.
Howe was quick to stress that this is not due to any new problem or a setback in his rehabilitation; it is simply a case of the medical team taking a more cautious and accurate view of the healing process.
While it is disappointing for the player and the fans eagerly awaiting his debut, it is better to have a clear and realistic timeline than to rush him back and risk a more serious, long-term issue.
This extended absence means Wissa is now set to miss a substantial block of matches. He will definitely be unavailable for the upcoming game against Nottingham Forest, and will also miss crucial fixtures against Brighton, Benfica in the Champions League, Fulham, and Tottenham Hotspur after the international break.
The hope is that he will be ready to make his long-awaited debut sometime in November. On a practical note, because Wissa’s injury was sustained while on international duty, Newcastle is entitled to financial compensation from FIFA, which will cover his wages during this period of recovery.
In the same update, Howe also provided clarity on another worrying injury. The sight of defender Tino Livramento being stretchered off in the recent match against Arsenal was a frightening moment for everyone.
The immediate fear was a season-ending injury. However, after a visit to a specialist, the diagnosis, while serious, is much better than first feared. Livramento has sustained a ligament injury that will keep him out for roughly eight weeks.
Howe described this as “very good news,” considering the potential for a much longer absence. It’s a significant blow to lose such a dynamic player for two months, but the relief that it is not a more catastrophic injury is palpable.
For Eddie Howe, managing his squad through these periods is a test of depth and patience. The return of Jacob Ramsey provides a timely lift and an extra body in midfield.
The delayed debut of Yoane Wissa is a frustration, but one the club can manage with careful planning. As Newcastle looks to build on their European success, getting players back from the treatment room, one by one, will feel just as important as any result on the pitch.
