Yoane Wissa’s determination to overcome his injury and make his long-awaited debut for Newcastle United has not gone unnoticed.
Despite the frustration of being sidelined since September, the Congolese forward is showing the kind of commitment and hunger that speaks volumes about his mentality and professionalism.
While Newcastle continue to battle through a difficult run of form, Wissa’s attitude off the pitch is proving to be a source of quiet encouragement within the club.
The striker, who joined Newcastle from Brentford in a high-profile move during the summer, has yet to make an appearance for the Magpies after suffering a knee injury while on international duty with DR Congo.
The setback came just weeks after his transfer, leaving him frustrated but determined to recover and make an impact as soon as possible. Newcastle signed him with great expectations, believing that his proven Premier League record would bring goals, energy, and experience to their frontline.
His absence has therefore been keenly felt, particularly during a period when the team has struggled to find consistency in attack.
While injuries can sometimes test a player’s patience and motivation, Wissa appears to be channeling his frustration into extra effort.
According to reports, he has been putting in additional work outside of the club’s official training sessions, using his free time to accelerate his rehabilitation.
The Mirror recently highlighted that Wissa has been seen at Jesmond Pool in Newcastle, undergoing swimming sessions designed to strengthen his knee and maintain his fitness levels without putting undue strain on the injured area.
Further details from The Chronicle revealed that these extra sessions are being done entirely on Wissa’s own initiative. A source within the club described his approach, saying, “He is doing all of this in his free time.
There are hydro facilities at the training ground so he can get into the water there. So this is about using his own free time to get in shape.” It’s an effort that has impressed many inside the club, showing his dedication to returning stronger rather than simply waiting for the injury to heal naturally.
In an era where some players’ commitment is often questioned, Wissa’s actions stand out. He’s been proactive rather than passive, taking ownership of his recovery and showing the kind of work ethic that has already earned him respect from Newcastle’s medical staff and management.
The club’s fans, too, will find reassurance in seeing one of their newest signings going above and beyond to justify his move and make an impact in the famous black-and-white shirt.
Over the past few years, Wissa has faced his fair share of injury setbacks. During his time at Brentford, he missed several games due to ankle issues, and now with Newcastle, his knee injury has already ruled him out of sixteen matches this season.
However, what has remained consistent throughout his career is his resilience. Each time he’s been forced to the sidelines, he’s worked his way back through sheer determination, never allowing setbacks to define him.
Newcastle’s decision to sign Wissa was not without some internal debate. Reports suggest that the club’s ownership group, PIF, had reservations about the move due to the player’s age and limited resale value.
At 29, Wissa was seen as a short-term investment rather than a long-term project. But for Eddie Howe and his coaching staff, his proven record in the Premier League and his attitude made him the kind of player worth taking a chance on. And now, even before kicking a ball for Newcastle, Wissa is proving exactly why that belief may pay off.
The nature of his injury a simple fall on a rough pitch while representing his country makes his situation even more frustrating. It was not the result of overexertion or poor conditioning, but rather an unfortunate accident.
Nevertheless, instead of dwelling on bad luck, Wissa has focused entirely on recovery, doing everything in his power to be available as soon as possible. His dedication sends a clear message not just to fans but also to his teammates about what it means to fight for the club.
There is genuine hope at Newcastle that Wissa will return after the international break and possibly be ready to face Manchester City. His eagerness to contribute is palpable, and his behind-the-scenes efforts suggest he will be physically and mentally prepared once called upon.
For a club struggling to rediscover its attacking edge, Wissa’s eventual debut could not come soon enough.
His story so far at Newcastle might not have started on the pitch, but his actions off it already reflect the kind of professionalism and passion that endears players to fans.
By taking ownership of his recovery and pushing himself beyond what’s expected, Yoane Wissa is showing that he’s not here to simply collect a paycheck — he’s here to make an impact. For Newcastle, that attitude is worth every penny.
