Newcastle Delay Yoane Wissa Debut as £55m Signing Faces Further Two-Week Layoff

Key Takeaways:

• Yoane Wissa has been ruled out for an additional two weeks and is yet to train with Newcastle since his £55m move from Brentford
• Eddie Howe confirmed the forward is now aiming for a return against West Ham on 2 November, rather than the previously targeted 18 October clash with Brighton
• Nick Woltemade, a £69m signing, remains Newcastle’s key attacking option, continuing his strong start with three goals from four appearances

Injury Setback Delays Wissa’s Debut

Newcastle United’s recent acquisition, Yoane Wissa, has sustained a setback in his recovery from a knee injury, postponing his highly anticipated debut for at least another two weeks. The forward, who joined for £55 million from Brentford on deadline day, has yet to participate in training with the Magpies. Wissa, aged 29, originally sustained the injury while representing DR Congo last month. Manager Eddie Howe provided an update, stating the player’s rehabilitation timeframe will now likely extend to eight weeks instead of six, after seeing a specialist for a follow-up examination. 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. No recurrence or problem, just slightly longer.”

🚨 Wissa's knee injury setback has been extended from 4-5 weeks to 8 weeks; his return date is now expected to be the start of November. [@SkySports_Keith] #NUFC pic.twitter.com/s1T04K1kz0

— That's Football! (@ThatsFootballTV) October 3, 2025

Revised Return Date and Club Fixture Implications

This extension pushes Wissa’s projected return to the away fixture at West Ham United on 2 November, meaning he will miss the initially targeted match against Brighton on 18 October. In the interim, Newcastle are scheduled to face Athletic Bilbao in the Champions League and visit Brentford, Wissa’s former club, prior to the November international break. DR Congo do not have matches lined up during this upcoming international window, but the forward’s international commitments for the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco next month remain a consideration. Newcastle will be keen for Wissa to achieve full fitness before travelling for international duty, aiming to have him available and in form for both club and country.

Woltemade Steps In as Attacking Focal Point

In Wissa’s absence, fellow new signing Nick Woltemade, who cost the club £69 million, will be shouldering Newcastle’s attacking responsibilities. Woltemade has impressed since his arrival, netting three goals across four starts. Should he maintain this form, Wissa may face increased competition for a first-team role upon his return. Howe also referenced the depth available in the forward positions, noting that Will Osula made a strong impact as a substitute, including providing an assist for Harvey Barnes recently. Howe remarked: “Yoane is not really in that train of thought at the minute. He’s still trying to get fit and feel good within his body. When he’s fit then he’ll be thinking, like all players do, that he wants to get his position and earn his shirt. From Nick’s side, he’s got competition from Will Osula, who did really well on his sub appearance the other day and set the goal up for Harvey Barnes. There is good competition but Yoane is one that will add a different dynamic.”