Yoane Wissa’s arrival at Newcastle United has already sparked plenty of excitement, but fans may have to wait just a little longer to see him in black and white.
According to Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope, the Congolese striker is closing in on his long-awaited debut and could even be paired up front with Nick Woltemade once he returns from injury next month.
This development would represent a notable shift in Eddie Howe’s usual system, potentially signalling a more flexible attacking approach from the Newcastle boss.
Wissa’s injury, sustained during international duty with Congo in September, has kept him out of action since signing for Newcastle on deadline day in a £55 million deal.
The forward suffered a posterior cruciate ligament issue that initially caused concern among fans, but Hope has confirmed that the player does not need surgery and is progressing well in his recovery.
Newcastle’s medical team are taking no risks, however, choosing a careful approach to ensure he is fully fit for the long term. As one insider told Hope, “He has signed for four years, not a few months.”
The club’s patience has been made easier by the impressive form of Nick Woltemade, who has led the line superbly in Wissa’s absence.
The towering German striker has adapted quickly to life on Tyneside, scoring freely and earning the trust of both his teammates and the coaching staff.
His strong start has taken pressure off the need to rush Wissa back into action, allowing Howe to think more creatively about how to use the two forwards once both are available.
Craig Hope revealed that Newcastle could now experiment with playing both strikers together rather than alternating them in the central role.
“Nick Woltemade has shouldered the burden up front with Wissa out and I’m hearing there’s a chance that both of them could play in the same team when the Congo star returns,” Hope explained.
This would be a significant tactical adjustment from Howe, who typically relies on his trusted 4-3-3 setup built around a single striker and two wide forwards.
The reasoning behind this possible change lies in Newcastle’s recent struggles in wide areas. Hope noted that several of the club’s wingers have been off form this season, failing to provide consistent service or goal contributions.
That has opened the door for Wissa to be deployed in a different role than originally planned. “I’ve had a few conversations around this,” Hope said. “Given the sticky form of the widemen so far this season, Wissa operating from the right in a team with Woltemade is possible.”
Originally, the plan was for Wissa and Woltemade to “share the load at centre forward,” alternating starts depending on fitness, form, and fixtures.
However, with Newcastle’s attack missing some spark on the flanks, Howe could see value in using Wissa’s pace, strength, and directness from a wider starting position. It would give the team another goal threat while maintaining Woltemade’s presence through the middle.
If the pair can develop chemistry quickly, it could give Newcastle one of the most dynamic attacking duos in the Premier League.
As for Wissa’s return, the timeline remains cautiously optimistic. Earlier reports had targeted November 2 against West Ham for his comeback, but Hope now believes the trip to Brentford the following weekend coincidentally, Wissa’s former club is a more realistic date.
The striker has already resumed light training on grass and is responding well to treatment. Though he could have been accelerated back into action with injections, Newcastle have decided to avoid short-term risks.
The priority is ensuring that he returns fully fit and ready to contribute immediately, rather than rushing him for a single match.
For now, all signs suggest Newcastle’s patience will pay off. Wissa’s track record in the Premier League speaks for itself tireless running, intelligent movement, and a knack for scoring important goals.
His return will give Eddie Howe’s side a major boost heading into a busy winter schedule that includes key domestic fixtures and Champions League games.
With Woltemade already firing and Wissa nearly ready to rejoin the fold, Newcastle could soon boast an attacking partnership that combines strength, speed, and finishing quality.
Fans may need to wait just a few more weeks, but the anticipation is building. If the plan to pair Wissa and Woltemade comes to life, it could mark the beginning of a thrilling new era for Newcastle’s forward line one that reflects Howe’s adaptability and the club’s growing ambition to compete on every front.
