Newcastle Striker Blow as Yoane Wissa Injury Delays Debut
Newcastle United’s hopes of showcasing their £55 million summer signing have been placed on hold, with Eddie Howe confirming Yoane Wissa will not feature against Wolves this weekend.
Wissa setback halts early momentum
The Congolese forward, recruited from Brentford to bolster Newcastle’s attacking options, suffered a knee injury on international duty with DR Congo. Despite optimism that he could be fast-tracked into Howe’s plans, the Newcastle boss admitted his new striker remains unavailable.
“Unfortunately he won’t make this game,” Howe said. “I saw him for the first time yesterday and he’s feeling the effects of the injury sustained just before he came off [while on international duty]. We’re going to have to see how he is.”
For Howe, Wissa’s arrival was more than just a statement signing. It was an investment in proven Premier League firepower. “An established Premier League goalscorer is very difficult to find and difficult to recruit,” Howe explained. “He has got great qualities, he had an outstanding year not just last year but before, so he’s got a history of scoring goals.”
Newcastle face busy schedule without key recruits
The injury comes at a difficult moment, with Newcastle preparing for a demanding run of fixtures. Their Champions League campaign begins next week against Barcelona at St James’ Park, followed swiftly by league trips and domestic cup commitments. Wissa’s absence could stretch Howe’s resources, particularly with fellow new arrival Jacob Ramsey also sidelined.
Ramsey, signed from Aston Villa for £40m, faces around a month out after picking up an ankle problem during the draw with Leeds. Howe admitted the timing was far from ideal: “Unfortunately I think he’ll be missing until the next international break so that’s a big blow.”
Woltemade ready to step in
Not all of Howe’s forward planning has been undone. Nick Woltemade, the £69m signing from Stuttgart, is fit and available for the Wolves clash. Howe expressed satisfaction with the German striker’s swift adaptation. “Big change for him, big opportunity for him. He’s got a great nature, a great character,” he said. “He’s very calm and he’s gone straight into our training and not looked out of place.”
For Newcastle, the wait for Wissa’s debut continues. But with a packed fixture list, Howe’s ability to blend his new arrivals quickly will be tested under the brightest of spotlights.
