This international break is extremely significant for Yoane Wissa, and that is not because the Newcastle United striker is stepping up his recovery from injury.
For Newcastle United fans, all they are focused on is Yoane Wissa getting over his injury and making his Toon debut. He has been a huge miss, with the 29-year-old yet to feature for his new club after arriving from Brentford for £55million.
Newcastle United are convinced Wissa will do well, but the expectation was that he would already be doing well. It remains unclear when he will make his debut, while there is also the looming issue of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
It remains to be seen if Wissa will join DR Congo at the tournament, but there could now be an even bigger competition on the horizon.
Yoane Wissa poses for Newcastle United's Champions League photocall.
Photo by Pat Elmont – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
DR Congo aim to keep World Cup hopes alive as Yoane Wissa watches on
If Yoane Wissa was fully fit right now, he would be preparing to represent DR Congo in a World Cup qualifier playoff.
They are one of four African nations still vying to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, alongside Nigeria, Gabon and Cameroon.
DR Congo face Cameroon and Nigeria take on Gabon on Wednesday, with the two winners meeting on Sunday. The winner of that final will then advance to the inter-confederation playoffs in March.
Unfortunately for DR Congo, they will be without their star striker. He will be fit by the time the inter-confederation playoffs come around, but it will be up to his teammates to ensure that DR Congo are involved.
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Which Newcastle United players could be at the 2026 World Cup?
As it stands, the only Newcastle United player who feels certain to go to the 2026 World Cup is Bruno Guimaraes. Brazil have booked their place, with the Toon captain very much a regular in Carlo Ancelotti’s starting XI.
There is a chance he could be joined by Joelinton, but that will depend on how the 29-year-old plays for the Magpies.
There should also be some Newcastle United representatives in the England squad, but how many will all depend on Thomas Tuchel. Anthony Gordon and Dan Burn feel likely to feature for the Three Lions, but the likes of Tino Livramento, Lewis Hall and Nick Pope are also pushing to be involved.
The latter was part of the current England squad, but the concussion he suffered against Brentford forced him to withdraw.