Yoane Wissa finally makes his debut for Newcastle United after £55m summer switch from Brentford
Newcastle United fans will soon get their first look at Yoane Wissa in action as the DR Congo forward nears a return from injury hell.
The 29-year-old picked up a bad knee injury on international duty just days after his £55 million move from Brentford finally went through, and he has been out of action ever since.
Newcastle have been lucky in that their other big-money summer signing up front, Nick Woltemade, has been a revelation.
However, it hasn't escaped anyone's notice that the Magpies have been screaming out for a striker with Wissa's particular abilities. Someone who plays more like Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson did.
Eddie Howe has confirmed that Yoane Wissa played in an 11v11 game at the weekend
During Friday's press conference, Eddie Howe said Wissa was close to a return, and he had a game in mind but wouldn't share with the world which it was. Today, Howe met the media again ahead of tomorrow's clash with Tottenham Hotspur, and Howe confirmed that Yoane Wissa played in a behind-closed-doors 11v11 match on Saturday.
"He had an 11 vs 11 game this week while we were at Everton. He will have another one this week and we will see where he is.
"There has been no change. He is working back, and he is doing well; everything is positive, but he will be back involved when we think he is able to contribute to the group.
"And has a minimal chance of reinjury.
"Whenever he comes back from his perspective, and our perspective, that first goal will be important.
"But I don't want to put too much pressure on him. He is still a little bit away from that. He has more work to do and hopefully he comes through that and then we can see where he is."
We are glad to see the club taking their time with Wissa
It sounds like we shouldn't expect to see Wissa's name on the team sheet tomorrow night when Tottenham come to town, but it sounds as though he's getting close. Maybe he'll be on the bench on Saturday when Burnley visit.
It has taken a long time, but we're glad that they have taken that time with Wissa. So many times under Eddie Howe, we've seen players rushed back from injury to their detriment, and that certainly hasn't been the case with Wissa.
The aim has clearly been to get him back to match fitness and keep him there for the rest of the season, and we can't fault the approach if that ends up being the result.
