Eddie Howe admits Newcastle United striker enduring 'tough period' after three month injury blow
Yoane Wissa’s status in Newcastle United’s squad will become clear this week with big games against Manchester United and Manchester City.
Yoane Wissa is back available for Newcastle United, but is still looking to make an impact after a few games out.
The £55million summer signing is claimed to have picked up a ‘nasty knock’ in training that subsequently ruled him out against Aston Villa, Manchester City and the first leg against Qarabag before returning for the second leg.
Wissa has come off the bench in each of Newcastle’s last two matches but has struggled for form and goals recently. The DR Congo international scored on his full debut in the Carabao Cup, Premier League and Champions League for Newcastle against Fulham, Burnley and PSV Eindhoven, respectively but hasn’t been able to add to his tally since.
A three-month knee injury blow to start his Newcastle career, followed by lingering fitness issues have severely limited Wissa’s impact during his first season on Tyneside so far.
And the fact Eddie Howe has recently returned to using Anthony Gordon as a striker tells a tale in itself.
But with Harvey Barnes struggling for form on the left wing and Nick Woltemade a doubt to face Manchester United due to illness, the match is primed for a return to action for Wissa leading the line.
But the reality is that the forward has fallen down the pecking order at Newcastle and his recent fitness issues have raised doubts over his ability to impact games and make a difference in the side from the start. As such, Gordon has been tipped to lead the line once again.
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A ‘tough period’ for Yoane Wissa
“I've said many times regarding Yoane's situation, he didn't train a lot during the summer, so obviously he had a gap there in his physical preparation for this season, then picked up an injury on international duty,” Howe explained.
“That's very, very difficult to adjust to mid-season because, as I said before, you have a six-week pre-season for a reason to get players adjusted and ready for the new season. We haven't been able to do that with him.
“But he's been doing a lot of work behind the scenes, a lot of fitness work. He's just come back from a recent injury as well. And we're hoping his best moments are ahead of him.
“Certainly, he's shown a great attitude to his training. He's really, really motivated and keen to do well for the club and to repay the club and the supporters for everything that they've given him.
“I don't think it's been an ideal introduction for him coming here. I think it's been a tough period for him.”
Nick Woltemade concern
Wissa’s tough period comes amid a tough period for another of Newcastle’s summer striker signings.
£65million club-record signing Woltemade started his Newcastle career well but has found goals hard to come by in recent months. He’s yet to find the net in the Premier League so far in 2026 but still has a respectable goal tally of 10, only bettered by Barnes and Gordon so far this season.
The German forward has faced scrutiny in recent weeks and has been moved into a deeper role with mixed results.
But Howe has backed the 24-year-old to deliver, even if he is unavailable for Wednesday’s match.