Yoane Wissa official deadline set as Newcastle United fresh injury twist confirmed
Newcastle United have no clear return date the return of Yoane Wissa - but a very important date is coming up.
Newcastle United striker Yoane Wissa is set to remain on the sidelines as he approaches three months out with a knee injury.
Wissa, who boasted an impressive injury-free record prior to joining Newcastle from Brentford on deadline day for £55million, suffered a PCL knee injury while on international duty with DR Congo.
The 29-year-old’s potential return date has been pushed back on several occasions at this point with the forward still yet to train fully with his new teammates. It’s got to the stage where head coach Eddie Howe is unable to provide a clear return date for Wissa, who had previously targeted a late November return.
Yoane Wissa injury latest
Howe ruled Wissa out of Newcastle’s Premier League match against Manchester City on Saturday (5:30pm kick-off) at St James’ Park. The forward also looks set to miss at least the following matches against Marseille and Everton.
“I haven't got a clear, defined return date for you,” Howe said on Wissa. “He's working well, so he's not back training with us yet, but he's close.
“He's working with the sports scientists. He's in that phase, sort of moved past his physios. He's now back with the sports science team, and he's also almost entering a pre-season with them currently.
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“He's doing a lot of work. He's looking good, looking better with every session. And as I say, he's close to training with us.But until he gets to there, it's very difficult to give you a date.”
Howe previously explained that the ‘pre-season’ process for Wissa to get back up to speed after not playing any club football since May would take around six weeks.
It was previously thought Wissa would be back available for Newcastle in time to go away with DR Congo to the African Cup of Nations. But given his current situation and fitness, there is real doubt as to whether that will happen.
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AFCON deadline coming up
The African Cup of Nations gets underway in Morocco on December 21 but the deadline for squads to be submitted for the tournament in December 11.
Given Wissa is still yet to train with Newcastle full and is recovering from a serious knee injury having not played any football at club level in six months, the chances of him being fully fit and available for selection in time for the AFCON squad deadline are slim.
DR Congo may still wish to call up the player in the hope he get up to speed as a tournament progresses but that would come as a huge risk for all concerned. AFCON runs from December 21 to January 18, which would rule Wissa out for a minimum of four Newcastle United matches and a maximum of eight if he were to go away.