Unseen Newcastle United summer signing now unlikely to be seen in action until 2026
Injuries have been a big problem for Newcastle United this season, particularly for summer signings.
Jacob Ramsey picked up a knock early on after just a couple of appearances, and £55 million striker Yoane Wissa is still to make his debut over two months after joining from Brentford.
However, Wissa isn't the only summer signing who has yet to feature for the club due to injury.
At the end of the window, Georgian wonderkid Vakhtang Salia made his switch to the North East on his 18th birthday, but the youngster is yet to kick a ball for his new club.
18-year-old Vakhtang Salia was a regular feature for Dinamo Tbilisi
Salia arrived at Newcastle having already broken into the Dinamo Tbilisi first-team, scoring eight goals in 59 appearances for the Georgian side.
A hamstring injury ruled out a loan move when he arrived, and it has also kept him out of training with the Newcastle Under 21s.
Now, Under 21s manager Adam Lawrence has given an update on Salia's injury to The Shields Gazette, with a timeline given for a return to training.
Vakhtang Salia is looking at 2026 before he can make his first NUFC appearance
Lawrence isn't taking any chances with the 18-year-old and won't be trying to rush him back before the turn of the year.
“He is making good progress. Everyone was devastated that he has come into the club and got the injury he picked up.
“I’ve not seen him on the pitch but he’s an outstanding young man around the training ground with how he conducts himself.
“I’m sure in his mind it’s been really tough for him but he hasn’t shown that. He’s stayed really positive.
“The medical and sports science team are looking towards the back end of December and into January for when he can start training with the group and building those levels of fitness - but we are taking it week-by-week.
“Without getting too carried away, he is on course and making good progress with his rehab and he has been really diligent in that way.”
