Craig Hope gives update on Yoane Wissa return date and reveals full extent of injury
Yoane Wissa hasn't kicked a ball as a Newcastle United player since his £55 million move from Brentford on deadline day in the summer.
Like Alexander Isak did at Newcastle, Wissa downed tools to force through the move while Brentford held out for as long as they could to maximise the money they could get. Many people shook their heads at Newcastle for paying so much money for a 29-year-old.
Wissa picked up an injury on international duty just a few days after getting his wish to become a Newcastle player, and as a result, he's yet to train with his new club.
During the latest international break, a rumour went around online that Wissa had injured his Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) and would be out for the rest of the season. The rumour also suggested that the club were waiting until after the international break to announce it, which was a huge red flag for us.
Yoane Wissa has not injured his ACL despite online rumours
As part of his Newcastle Confidential column for the Daily Mail, Craig Hope has confirmed that Wissa does not have an ACL injury; rather, he has injured his Posterior Cruciate Ligament.
"No, Wissa has NOT injured his anterior cruciate ligament, contrary to online rumours. But I can reveal that the area affected is his posterior cruciate ligament. The recovery from PCL injuries varies from a few weeks to nine months, if surgery is needed.
"Wissa does not require an operation and, as such, he remains on track for a November return. However, before he can do so, the swelling around his knee needs to fully subside, and that remains the slight unknown."
Yoane Wissa could be set to return to action in time to face Brentford
Hope went on to mention how the original date for Wissa's comeback was pencilled in for West Ham United on 2nd November, but he's now hearing that it's more likely to be the following week.
That would potentially make his first game for Newcastle United against his former club, Brentford, which would just be a delicious irony.
We're sure the club aren't going to rush him back just for a headline, but having him return in time to face his old club would be fantastic.
