Alan Shearer Makes Derby Day Prediction As Newcastle Suffer Wissa Setback

Newcastle legend Alan Shearer believes it’ll be too soon for Yoane Wissa to start this weekend’s Tyne-Wear derby against Sunderland.

With anticipation building for this weekend’s massive clash at the Stadium of Light, fans of both Newcastle United and Sunderland are a mix of nerves and excitement.

The two arch rivals have not met in the Premier League since 2016, last facing off in the FA Cup two years ago.

Newcastle were 3-0 winners on that day, but have not beaten Sunderland in the league in their last nine attempts.

Newly-promoted Sunderland are on course to be the best promoted side in Premier League history.

With the two sides just one point apart in the table, everything is pointing towards an even and exciting affair.

But Newcastle icon and Premier League all-time record goalscorer Alan Shearer thinks it will come too soon for Yoane Wissa.

Alan Shearer Makes Yoane Wissa Prediction Ahead Of Derby Day

Discussing Wissa’s chances of playing a big part against Sunderland, Shearer didn’t hold out much hope.

Speaking this week on The Rest Is Football podcast, he admitted it was unlikely the Congolese would start.

“He came on at the weekend obviously then came on again against Bayer Leverkusen,” said Shearer.

“Only for the last four or five minutes to see the game out.

“Hopefully it’s not too far away from him starting a game. If he can get half an hour or an hour in sometime in the next week or two then I don’t think he’ll be too far away from starting which has to be a plus for Newcastle.

Yoane Wissa made history on Saturday as he became the 1000th player to represent the club in a league fixture! pic.twitter.com/BVCRn5Hxmj

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) December 8, 2025

“He’s not going away [to AFCON] which is a big, big plus for Newcastle, which I think is the right decision.

“I don’t think it would have been a good look had he played those games and then gone off for another month or so. It’s the right decision.”

Naturally, Newcastle fans will be desperate to see Wissa play ASAP.

A high-profile attacking signing, his arrival was much-anticipated.

But after the frustration of Yoane Wissa’s injury-riddled start, it is important for the club not to rush him.

Building match fitness will take time, and demanding too much, too soon could easily cause further issues.

Yoane Wissa’s Nightmare Start At Newcastle

It’s been a torrid time on Tynesise so far for Yoane Wissa.

The Brentford striker joined Newcastle over the summer, replacing the outgoing Alexander Isak.

But a knee injury sustained in August has prevented him from playing until now.

And just as he looked to be ready to make an impact at last, he has been struck down with illness during the week.

He finally made his long-awaited debut against Burnley last weekend.

But he barely featured against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League on Wednesday, replacing Nick Woltemade in deep into added time.

Yoane Wissa in the zone pic.twitter.com/kWKU4QVXFw

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) December 10, 2025

And manager Eddie Howe explained the likelihood of Wissa starting this weekend is slim.

He said: “Yes, he can [start]. Whether he’s physically able to and how long he’s able to play, they’re all questions.

“He had a bit of illness in the last 24 hours, hence why he only got a few minutes today.

“It is unfortunate because he was going in the right direction. So, a little knock back there.

“But, yes, we’ll train him tomorrow. We’re all back in and he’ll get some work and we’ll see how he is.”

Wissa is the sort of player that could have a huge impact for Newcastle on derby day this weekend.

But it remains to be seen wether Eddie Howe will risk him from the start.