Wissa has to hold out on the Magpies’ debut

Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe gave an update on the injured striker Yoane Wissa and said that he will be out for “slightly longer” than thought.

The player from DR Congo hasn’t played for Newcastle yet since he was bought from Premier League rivals Brentford for £45 million on transfer deadline day.

Wissa missed six games across all events after hurting his knee against Senegal on September 9 in a 2026 World Cup qualifier. He scored a goal in the Leopards’ 3-2 loss.

Howe had thought that the 29-year-old would be able to play in the game against Brighton on October 18. However, his return has been pushed back by two weeks after he met with a specialist on Thursday.

“Yoane saw a specialist again yesterday for a check-up on his knee,” Howe told the press before Saturday’s game at St. James’ Park against Nottingham Forest.

“We now think it will be eight weeks instead of six… from the time of the injury.” It’s not a problem or a repeat; it’s just a little longer.