Yoane Wissa’s injury saga has become a major talking point among Newcastle United fans, especially as the team continues to navigate a busy fixture list.
What initially appeared to be a short-term setback has now evolved into a more delicate situation, with the DR Congo international’s return date pushed back further than first expected.
When Wissa picked up his knee injury earlier this season, the initial prognosis ruled him out until after the October international break. The away trip to Brighton & Hove Albion on October 18 was marked as a potential return, giving supporters hope that their summer signing would soon be back in action.
However, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe recently revealed that the forward’s recovery will take a little longer than planned.
Speaking about the situation, Howe explained that Wissa underwent another specialist check-up on October 2 to assess the progress of his knee. “Yeah, he went to see a specialist again just for a check-up on his knee.
We probably think it’ll be more eight weeks than six, so maybe a slight delay, no reoccurrence, no problem, just maybe slightly longer,” Howe shared. Although his words were calm and reassuring, they hinted that the team would need to be patient with Wissa’s recovery.
The uncertainty around knee injuries naturally led to speculation among supporters and the media. With the club investing heavily in Wissa after his impressive 19-goal Premier League campaign with Brentford, it’s no surprise that concern grew quickly.
Many feared the worst, worrying it could be a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury something Newcastle have unfortunately dealt with multiple times in recent years. Jamaal Lascelles, Sven Botman, and Emil Krafth have all suffered similar setbacks, each facing lengthy spells on the sidelines.
Fortunately, reports have since clarified that Wissa’s issue lies with his posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), rather than the ACL, easing fears of a long-term absence.
According to The Daily Mail, the forward won’t require surgery a huge relief for both the player and the club. Had surgery been necessary, Wissa might have faced a nine-month recovery period. Instead, Howe’s estimated eight-week timeframe remains a realistic expectation.
However, while the diagnosis is not as severe as first feared, there’s still some uncertainty. Swelling around Wissa’s knee has yet to completely subside, preventing him from fully participating in training.
After several months without competitive football his last club match coming in May the 27-year-old will need additional time to regain match fitness.
Based on the initial injury timeline, Wissa could be in contention for a return around Newcastle’s trip to West Ham United on November 2. Still, the following weekend’s clash against his former club Brentford might serve as a more practical comeback target.
The blow of Wissa’s absence has been softened by the outstanding form of Nick Woltemade. The £65 million summer signing has quickly made an impact, scoring four goals in five starts since his arrival.
His seamless adaptation to Premier League football has provided Newcastle with a valuable attacking option while Wissa continues his recovery.
Yet, there’s another complication waiting on the horizon international duty. DR Congo have crucial fixtures ahead, including a World Cup play-off clash against Cameroon right after Newcastle’s visit to Brentford.
If DR Congo advance, they’ll face either Gabon or Nigeria for a spot in next summer’s tournament. These international commitments could interfere with Wissa’s club schedule just as he begins to regain momentum.
Adding to the challenge, the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicks off in Morocco from December 21 to January 18. Should DR Congo progress to the later stages, as they did two years ago when finishing fourth, Wissa could miss as many as seven matches for Newcastle.
His potential absence would include key Premier League fixtures against Chelsea, Manchester United, and Burnley during the busy festive period a blow Howe will be keen to avoid.
Whether Wissa makes the trip to AFCON will depend heavily on his fitness and Newcastle’s discussions with DR Congo’s national team. For now, the priority is ensuring he returns fully fit, without risking a recurrence of the injury.
The forward’s hunger to prove himself on Tyneside remains strong, and fans are eager to see him bring his attacking spark back to the Magpies’ frontline.
If all goes according to plan, Wissa’s gradual return could provide Newcastle with a timely boost as they push toward the second half of the season. The hope is that patience pays off both for the player’s long-term health and for a squad that knows just how valuable his presence can be.
