Newcastle United’s manager, Eddie Howe, has announced some positive news regarding summer signing Yoane Wissa, who recently suffered a knee injury while representing the Democratic Republic of Congo during international duty. Fortunately, Howe confirmed that Wissa will not require surgery, which is a relief for both the player and the club. The £55 million Deadline Day transfer from Brentford is still waiting to make his debut for the Magpies but is anticipated to be available shortly after the international break in October.
In a conversation with Sky Sports before the upcoming Carabao Cup third-round match against Bradford City at St James’ Park, Howe reflected on the impact of Wissa’s absence early in the season, viewing it as a significant setback for the squad. The start of the Premier League campaign is crucial, and losing a key player such as Wissa right out of the gate has posed challenges for the team’s dynamics and strategy.
Howe stated, “He [Wissa] is here and receiving treatment; no operation is needed. We are looking at the other side of the international break; we sincerely hope he can be fit and available for that first game.” This first match following the break is set to take place away at Brighton on October 18, and fans are eager to see how Wissa can enhance the team’s performance once he returns to full health.
Wissa, who is 29 years old, was brought in to bolster the club’s attacking options after Alexander Isak’s record transfer to Liverpool. His unfortunate injury has led to tactical adjustments on the field, as Howe has been forced to rely on players like Nick Woltemade and Anthony Gordon to shoulder the attacking responsibilities in recent weeks. The manager expressed pride in how these players have stepped up, demonstrating their commitment to maintaining performance levels despite the challenges posed by injuries.
Howe acknowledged the frustration surrounding Wissa’s injury from both a team and individual perspective. He remarked, “It was huge [to lose him]. You go into the season with a plan, and we didn’t even get a chance to see Yoane in action. However, he is aware that he has an important role to play this season.” This underscores the club’s confidence in Wissa’s abilities and their expectations for him to make a significant impact once he is back on the pitch.
As Newcastle looks ahead to their busy schedule without one of their most notable signings, the focus is on extracting the best from the squad during this period. With the good news that surgery is off the table and optimism about Wissa’s swift recovery, the Magpies are hopeful that his eventual return will provide the much-needed attacking spark to an evolving team eager to find consistency. The excitement surrounding his anticipated debut is sure to energize the fanbase, as they look forward to witnessing his contributions to the team’s ambitions both in the league and cup competitions. The presence of Wissa on the field could reinvigorate the club’s attacking strategies, making them more formidable as they navigate the challenges of the season ahead.
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