Newcastle United’s transfer window excitement has been dampened by unfortunate news. New striker Yoane Wissa, who recently joined from Brentford, is set to miss his debut after sustaining a knee injury. The blow occurred while the forward was on international duty with DR Congo, leading to a period on the sidelines before he can even wear the black and white stripes in a competitive match.
The Injury Blow on International Duty
Just as fans were eager to see their new £55 million man in action, the injury occurred. Wissa was representing DR Congo in a World Cup qualifier against Senegal last week when he injured his knee. Consequently, he had to return to Tyneside for immediate assessment.
Initial fears pointed towards a severe anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, which could have ended his season before it began. Thankfully, after consulting with a specialist and undergoing scans, the club confirmed there was no major ligament damage. However, the injury is significant enough to delay his much-anticipated first appearance for the Magpies.
How Long Will Wissa Be Out?
While the club has avoided a worst-case scenario, Wissa’s recovery will still take time. The medical team is proceeding with caution to ensure a full recovery.
The current timeline suggests an absence of four to six weeks. This means the 29-year-old striker is not expected to be available for selection until after the next international break in mid-October. Head coach Eddie Howe confirmed Wissa was feeling the effects of the knock and was ruled out of the Wolverhampton Wanderers game.
Wissa’s absence will be felt, as he is set to miss a crucial run of fixtures, including:
- Premier League: Bournemouth, Arsenal, and Nottingham Forest.
- Champions League: Barcelona and Union Saint-Gilloise.
- Carabao Cup: Bradford City.
What This Means for Newcastle’s Attack
The injury certainly presents a challenge for Eddie Howe’s squad planning. Wissa was signed to fill the void left by Alexander Isak and was coming off a career-best season, scoring 19 Premier League goals for Brentford. His prowess as an “established Premier League goalscorer,” as Howe described him, will be missed.
In his absence, the manager will turn to other attacking options. Nick Woltemade made an immediate impact by scoring on his debut against Wolves, and Will Osula is another forward in contention. Furthermore, Anthony Gordon provides a versatile option who can play as a central striker once he completes his domestic suspension. This injury, coupled with the ankle problem sustained by fellow new signing Jacob Ramsey, will test the depth of Newcastle’s squad early in the season.
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A Frustrating Wait
In conclusion, the injury to Yoane Wissa is a significant, albeit temporary, setback for Newcastle United. While relief is the overarching emotion after fears of a long-term layoff were dispelled, the frustration is undeniable. The club and its supporters must now patiently wait for their new star striker to recover. The coming weeks will be a true test of the team’s depth and adaptability as they navigate a packed fixture list without their marquee signing.
