By Manisha Sahu, America News World Sports Desk
September 19, 2025
Newcastle United have been dealt a significant setback as newly signed forward Yoane Wissa is expected to spend at least a month on the sidelines following a knee injury sustained while on international duty with DR Congo. Manager Eddie Howe confirmed the news on Friday, describing the development as a blow to both the player and the club as they navigate a packed early-season schedule across domestic and European competitions.
Wissa, who joined Newcastle this summer in a £55 million ($74.26 million) move from Brentford, was recruited to replace the goalscoring presence of Alexander Isak, who departed for Liverpool in July. After a protracted transfer saga, the Magpies secured Wissa’s signature amid high expectations, but his progress has been interrupted just weeks into the campaign.
“He’ll be out until after the next international break,” Howe told reporters ahead of Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Bournemouth. “He’s got a race on to be fit for the Brighton game on October 18. Hopefully he can make it, because he’ll be such an important player for us.”
Howe Frustrated but Pragmatic
While acknowledging the frustration surrounding Wissa’s absence, Howe insisted the club had done everything within its power to protect the striker.
“Everyone wanted Yoane to be fit,” the Newcastle boss explained. “There’s nothing personally I would have done differently. We did everything as a football club to look after him. But once a player goes on international duty, you’re no longer in control of the minutes they play. Unfortunately, he got injured and now we just have to deal with the situation as best we can.”
Wissa’s injury is a particular concern given the timing. Newcastle are balancing Premier League duties with a return to the UEFA Champions League, where they were handed a tough group featuring Barcelona. Howe’s men suffered a 2-1 defeat to the Spanish giants earlier this week, and the lack of attacking depth was evident.
Spotlight on Woltemade
With Wissa unavailable, Newcastle’s attacking burden will fall heavily on Nick Woltemade, the 23-year-old German striker signed from Stuttgart for a club-record £69 million. The young forward has shown early promise, scoring on his debut in the 1-0 league win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
However, Howe cautioned that the former Bundesliga star still requires time to adapt to the demands of English football.
“We’re going to have to look after Nick,” Howe said. “It’s hard enough for him to come into a new league. You could see the physical effects he felt with Wolves and then the quick turnaround again against Barcelona. There’s no guarantee, even by managing him, that he’ll stay fit and play every game, but we’ll try to give him the best chance to acclimatise and make an impact.”
Despite the manager’s concerns, Woltemade has already impressed both fans and coaching staff with his composure and attacking instincts. “He made a very good start,” Howe added. “He did well when he came on against Barca, was involved in the goal, and hopefully he’s in a good place mentally and physically.”
A Test of Squad Depth
The injuries and departures up front have placed Newcastle’s squad depth under the microscope. Last season, the Magpies relied heavily on Isak and Callum Wilson, but Wilson has struggled with fitness issues of his own in recent campaigns. With Wissa sidelined and Woltemade still adjusting, Howe may need to turn to younger options or tactical reshuffles in order to keep Newcastle competitive on multiple fronts.
The upcoming weeks present no shortage of challenges. After Bournemouth this weekend, Newcastle face a difficult run that includes league fixtures against high-flying Brighton, Aston Villa, and Manchester United, alongside Champions League group games that could prove decisive for their knockout stage ambitions.
For Howe, the task will be balancing short-term results with the long-term development of his new attacking signings. “These things happen in football,” he reflected. “The key is how you respond as a group. We’ll support Yoane in his recovery and give Nick the platform to succeed.”
Wissa’s Importance Still Clear
Despite the setback, there remains strong belief at the club that Wissa will play a pivotal role once fit. Known for his versatility, pace, and sharp finishing, the 28-year-old has been a consistent performer for Brentford in recent seasons, scoring double figures in each of the last two Premier League campaigns.
His ability to play across the front line makes him a valuable asset for Howe’s tactical system, which often relies on fluid movement and interchanging positions. The manager is hopeful the player’s recovery will progress smoothly and that he will be available in time for the October clash against Brighton.
Until then, Newcastle will have to rely on collective effort, blending the promise of their new record signing with the experience of seasoned campaigners.
Looking Ahead
As Newcastle continue their journey this season, the injury to Wissa represents both a challenge and an opportunity. The challenge lies in coping without one of their marquee summer arrivals during a crucial run of fixtures. The opportunity rests with Woltemade and others to step forward, prove their worth, and establish themselves as key figures in Howe’s evolving project.
For supporters, the coming weeks will provide a glimpse into the resilience of the squad and the tactical flexibility of their manager. For Wissa, the countdown begins to return stronger and justify the investment that brought him to Tyneside.
Until then, Newcastle must adapt — and fast.
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