Key Takeaways:
- Yoane Wissa has avoided a nine-month absence and could return for Newcastle against Brentford next month
- The £55 million striker’s knee injury did not require surgery, and he has already begun running on grass
- Nick Woltemade, Newcastle’s £69 million signing, has scored four goals in seven matches during Wissa’s absence
Injury Setback and Recovery Timeline
Yoane Wissa, Newcastle United’s £55 million purchase, is set to sidestep a lengthy nine-month layoff following a knee injury sustained while representing DR Congo just a week after his arrival. The 29-year-old had not trained or played with his new team-mates before suffering the setback, which threatened to derail his start on Tyneside.
Eddie Howe, addressing Wissa’s situation earlier this month, confirmed that recuperation had taken longer than anticipated, following a further appointment with a specialist. Howe commented, “Yoane saw a specialist again yesterday for a check-up on his knee. We probably think now it’ll be eight weeks rather than six from the point of the injury. It’s no recurrence or problem, just slightly longer.”
🤕 Eddie Howe on Yoane Wissa:
"We have seen Yoane on the grass for the first time and his knee has reacted well to that work. We will step him up gradually but as for timelines nothing has changed."
Still looking at Brentford then as a return game! #NUFC #NUFCFans #NUFCNews… pic.twitter.com/6WdSc1Nahf
— Magpie 24/7 (@Magpie24_7) October 17, 2025
Nature of Injury and Path Forward
Reports from the Daily Mail have clarified initial fears, revealing that Wissa’s issue is an injury to his posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), rather than the more severe anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The problem has not required surgical intervention, prompting hope for a significantly reduced recovery time. Presently, swelling remains an obstacle, but as soon as it subsides, Wissa is expected to join full-contact training.
Although Wissa was initially targeting a comeback against West Ham on 2 November, that date has been extended. A more feasible opportunity for his club debut is now the fixture against former club Brentford a week later. Newcastle have made it clear that they are eager not to risk recurrence by rushing his return, given Wissa’s long-term value to the club.
| Player | Transfer Fee | Injury | Initial Return Target | Revised Return Target | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yoane Wissa | £55 million | PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) | 2 November vs West Ham | Following week vs Brentford | Running on grass, not yet in full training |
Future International Commitment and AFCON Dilemma
Wissa has resumed running sessions on grass and, while injections could enable an earlier return, he has opted for a methodical approach to avoid setbacks. On the international front, Wissa’s involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations (between 21 December and 18 January in Morocco) remains uncertain. Given previous assumptions that he would leave for the tournament shortly after recovering, the current outlook is less clear-cut, with emphasis being placed on his long-term health and Newcastle commitments. Deliberations from his camp highlight the importance of full fitness, especially with the World Cup in view next summer.
Woltemade’s Impact in Wissa’s Absence
Newcastle’s prudent handling of Wissa’s rehabilitation has been aided by Nick Woltemade’s form. The German striker, acquired for £69 million this summer, has seamlessly slotted into the attack, finding the net four times in seven matches. As Newcastle approach their next match against Brighton, Woltemade is set to spearhead the attack once again.
