Eddie Howe talks of Yoane Wissa's chances of making his NUFC debut against West Ham United on Sunday
Yoane Wissa has yet to make his first appearance for Newcastle United despite signing from Brentford on transfer deadline day this summer.
After going on strike to force through his move to Newcastle, Wissa signed on the dotted line with the Magpies and then took off to link up with the Democratic Republic of Congo, where he scored two goals, bagged an assist and most crucially, picked up a bad knee injury.
Wissa was expected to be out until the October international break, but as that deadline approached, he received a setback, which put his expected return date back to November against West Ham.
That deadline is now just two days away, and Eddie Howe has given an update on Wissa's situation on Friday during his pre-match press conference.
Eddie Howe says Yoane Wissa will 'definitely not' be in the squad on Sunday
Speaking to the media (via The Chronicle), Eddie Howe confirmed that, unfortunately, Sunday's game will come too soon for the 29-year-old.
"It will definitely not be West Ham. He is working very hard, and he is on the grass and getting the fitness work in he needs.
"I’d say he’s not close to training with the group due to fitness. I’m not trying to be evasive, but I don’t know when the moment will be when he’s back with the squad."
Yoane Wissa could make his Newcastle United debut against Brentford
That sounds to us like we're probably looking at after the November international break for his first appearance now, which will be the home game against Manchester City on the 22nd.
There was a hope and expectation that he could be fit for next week's game against Brentford, which would have shattered the irony-o-meter that his first game for his new club would be against the club he went on strike at to force his move away.
It's still possible that he is in the squad next week down at Brentford, but after Howe's words this morning, it doesn't sound likely.
