After a frustrating August both on and off the field, September is set to be a huge month for Newcastle United, with the return of Premier League action after the international break followed by next week’s Champions League clash with Barcelona at St James’ Park.
And of course, we can expect Eddie Howe to hand a number of new names their first official starts since joining us over the summer, including record signing Nick Woltemade and experienced striker Yoane Wissa.
But for the former Brentford man, just when he will make his debut is still up in the air, amidst signs of an injury concern he may have picked up on international duty.
The side is clamouring for a striker, and with Howe’s history of wanting to gradually bed in those like Woltemade without Premier League experience, it could be a close call if Wissa does indeed start on Saturday afternoon…
Though results may not have gone entirely his way, Yoane Wissa enjoyed an excellent international break for DR Congo as they look to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Two goals and one assist in just over two hours of football, having not played any competitive minutes prior to signing for us on deadline day, is a great return for the 29-year-old.
But having abruptly gone off in the crunch clash against Senegal on Tuesday afternoon, concerns began to be raised over the forward’s fitness.
However, it looks to have been a false alarm, as [The Mail’s](https://t.co/ENd8RhkEQS) Craig Hope reports that Wissa has returned to the North East injury free following a scan.
Having only arrived back from Africa on Thursday morning, Wissa was immediately checked by our medical team to assess his fitness and see if there was any injury worries.
But it looks like he’s avoided any sort of serious injury, and should be available to Howe ahead of the Wolves game.
Hope writes that Wissa will participate in training alongside his new teammates for the very first time on Friday, having virtually jetted off for international duty immediately after his signing was confirmed and he had completed his media duties.
It’ll come as a massive relief to Howe and the entire club that Wissa looks to be available, considering just how poor in front of goal we looked against both Aston Villa and Leeds, which has ultimately cost us four points from those two games alone.