Newcastle United’s summer pursuit of Yoane Wissa finally culminated in a successful deadline day acquisition. The club secured the former Brentford forward for a substantial fee, reportedly around £55 million. The Magpies identified Wissa as the ideal player to step into the shoes of Alexander Isak, who had been unwilling to play until his sale. However, few anticipated that just prior to making his debut in a black-and-white shirt, Wissa would be sidelined by a serious knee injury.
Injury Woes During International Duty
The injury occurred while Wissa was representing the Democratic Republic of Congo against Senegal on September 9. Scans revealed damage to his posterior cruciate ligament. Newcastle manager Eddie Howe initially estimated a six-week recovery period. This estimate was sensible, considering the nature of the injury, and the club made it clear that rushing him back could hinder his long-term recovery.
A Tough Decision
Originally, Wissa and the club had tentatively scheduled his participation in the upcoming African Cup of Nations in December. However, Newcastle legend Alan Shearer has since advised him to stay on Tyneside rather than join the national squad. This suggestion seems to be gaining traction, with Wissa expressing a strong desire to repay the faith the club has shown in him by prioritizing his Premier League debut over a continental adventure.
Prioritizing Long-Term Health
One of the most challenging decisions has revolved around potential injections for Wissa’s knee. While a short course of corticosteroids could have expedited his return, both the player and the club opted against this approach. They are committed to preserving the long-term health of his knee, even if it means missing out on the festive season with his national team. This situation highlights the importance of rehabilitation and the necessity of resisting quick fixes for sustainable progress.
Path to Recovery
Encouragingly, Wissa does not require surgical intervention. The plan remains for him to be back in contention by November, with a likely first appearance against his former club, Brentford, on November 9. This timeline means he will miss league fixtures against Brighton, Fulham, and West Ham, along with a cup tie against Tottenham and Champions League matches against Benfica and Athletic Club. However, it gives Newcastle the best opportunity to see a return on their significant investment without risking a relapse.
Balancing Risk and Reward
Ultimately, this situation is about balancing risk and reward, much like intelligent betting or prudent squad management. Both Newcastle and Wissa are carefully navigating this fine line to ensure that when he finally steps onto the pitch, he is firing on all cylinders. If all goes according to plan, the only thing more surprising than the opposition defenses will be Newcastle fans wondering why they didn’t send him a mince pie in November to speed things along.