Newcastle United Lose Injured Player For As Many As Eight Matches; Eddie Howe Reacts

Newcastle United could be without a new summer signing for as many as eight matches after an international injury.

Yoane Wissa finally forced his Newcastle move through this summer before the transfer window shut.

It was a move for the Democratic Republic of Congo striker that he had been chasing and one he was determined to push through.

Wissa released a statement, like Alexander Isak did at Newcastle, claiming Brentford had promised him a big-money move that they were seemingly reneging on.

It eventually landed him his switch but tainted his Bees legacy in the process in the eyes of many supporters who would not forgive him for the way he went about his business.

Newcastle lose Yoane Wissa for eight matches

The Magpies hoped to have Wissa available right away however he and the rest of the squad went away on international duty a week or so ago and that is where the problems started for the 29-year-old.

Wissa suffered a knee injury from his side’s match against Senegal, even after scoring in that tie as well as against South Sudan four days prior.

It meant the forward missed a big game against Barcelona in last night’s Champions League match as well as their Premier League outing against Wolves which they won 1-0 thanks to new signing Nick Woltemade.

Wissa could now miss a further five matches before the next break for international fixtures as well as those games that he is unlikely to link up with the squad to ensure he is fit for the next round of Premier League matches.

Manager Eddie Howe was frustrated with the problems his new boy has faced but the Englishman took a pragmatic approach.

Unable to now do anything about the injury other than manage it, Howe has vowed to work around it and look to other players to come to the fore.

What Eddie Howe said about Wissa’s injury

Howe said: “Yeah, it is impactful, and of course, everyone wanted Yoane to be fit. Personally, I wouldn’t have done anything different, we did everything we could as a football club to try and look after Yoane.

“Like with any footballer, when they go away and they’re on international duty, you’re not in control of the minutes they play and unfortunately, he gets injured. Now we just have to deal the best we can with that situation.

“We think he’ll be out until the next international break, that is sort of a race on to be fit for that Brighton game, and hopefully he can make it.”

Asked if he was frustrated at Congo’s handling of the player, Howe replied: “Again, it’s one I’m not in control of, so I try not to give it too much emotion.

“Of course, we’re just devastated that he’s injured, but nothing in our control. We’ve just got to try and get him fit as quickly as possible in the safest way, and then he’s got a big part to play in our season.”

Newcastle hope to have Wissa back for the October 18 match against Brighton away but even that could still come too soon.