Newcastle striker ruled out for up to eight matches – including Chelsea & Man Utd
The excitement of a major transfer often comes with a practical reality that requires careful planning from the club.
For Newcastle United, the signing of Yoane Wissa from Brentford for a club-record fee for a player over 25 is a clear statement of intent.
The forward brings a proven Premier League pedigree, having scored 19 league goals last season, and his arrival addresses the need for a reliable goal threat following the departure of Alexander Isak.
However, his introduction to the squad will require patience and strategic management due to a significant interruption looming on the calendar.
Wissa is currently on international duty with the DR Congo national team, where he has already made an impact by scoring and providing an assist in a dominant 4-1 win over South Sudan.
While this is encouraging for his match sharpness, it also highlights a challenge awaiting Newcastle. The African Cup of Nations (AFCON) is scheduled to take place between December and January, and Wissa is a key part of his national team’s plans.
This means he will be absent from club duties during one of the most congested and crucial periods of the season.
The tournament’s group stage alone will cause him to miss a minimum of three important Premier League fixtures: an away trip to Chelsea, a home match against Manchester United, and a visit to Burnley.
Should DR Congo advance beyond the group stage, his absence could extend significantly. Progress to the knockout rounds would see him miss additional league games against Crystal Palace and Leeds United.
A run to the quarter-finals would rule him out of the FA Cup third round, and advancement to the semi-finals could see him miss the league match against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
In a worst-case scenario, where DR Congo reaches the final or the third-place playoff, Wissa could even be a doubt for the Champions League knockout tie against PSV Eindhoven.
In total, Newcastle must prepare for the possibility of being without their new striker for up to eight matches across all competitions.
This absence will test the squad’s depth and place additional responsibility on other attacking players like Nick Woltemade and Anthony Gordon to maintain the team’s momentum during a demanding stretch.
Despite this scheduling challenge, the enthusiasm around Wissa’s arrival remains high. The player himself has expressed his delight at joining what he describes as “one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League.”
In his first interview, he spoke of his excitement to wear the famous black and white shirt and his determination to fulfill his dreams at St. James’ Park.
Manager Eddie Howe also shared his admiration for Wissa, highlighting not only his goal-scoring ability but also his work rate, pace, and power—attributes that align perfectly with the team’s high-intensity style.
For Newcastle, the key will be integrating Wissa quickly upon his return from international duty and maximizing his contributions before the AFCON break.
His availability for the match against Wolverhampton Wanderers in September offers an immediate opportunity to make an impact.
While his mid-season departure is unavoidable, the long-term benefits of securing a player of his quality are undeniable.
The club has made a calculated investment, fully aware of the temporary disruption, believing that Wissa’s talent will prove invaluable in the pursuit of their season’s objectives.