‘Love’ - Yoane Wissa issues message to Newcastle United ahead of comeback date

Yoane Wissa is yet to make his debut for Newcastle United, but that hasn’t stopped him from falling in love with the club.

Wissa joined the Magpies on September 1 from Brentford for £55million but a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury picked up a week later on international duty with DR Congo has kept him sidelined.

The 29-year-old’s return has been pushed back on a few occasions but the understanding is that he is finally close to taking the pitch for his new club.

Eddie Howe provides Yoane Wissa update

Providing an update on Friday, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said: “No, I haven't got a clear, defined return date for you. He's working well, so he's not back training with us yet, but he's close.

“He's working with a sports scientist. He's in that phase, sort of moves past his physios. He's now back with the sports science team and he's also almost entering a pre-season with them currently. He's doing a lot of work.

“He's looking good, looking better with every session, and as I say, he's close to training with us. But until he gets to there, it's very difficult to give you a date.”

Yoane Wissa sends three-word message to Newcastle United

Wissa was spotted in the stands at St James’ Park on Saturday evening as the Magpies bounced back from consecutive Premier League defeats away to West Ham United and Brentford by beating Manchester City 2-1.

And they had Harvey Barnes to thank in particular, as his double, either side of Ruben Dias’ equaliser, claimed a big three points.

The home crowd was buzzing at full-time, as was Wissa, who took to Instagram to write “I love you @nufc”.

After watching from the stands, Wissa made his way to the dressing room to celebrate the victory with his teammates.

Yoane Wissa tipped to a transformative signing for Newcastle United

It hopefully won’t be too much longer until Wissa can show that love on the pitch. With 19 Premier League goals to his name last season, Howe is hopeful Wissa will prove to be a transformative signing.

Howe said: “Well, we hope so. He's got Premier League experience. His goal record last year was very, very good. I think he understands the league and the expectations of the league, which is crucial.

“And that's a big reason why we signed him, because there would be a very low adaptation period. The big adaptation period for him now is his fitness and making sure that he comes back and he's ready to play and ready to execute what we need him to. He's done his part in that.

“As I said earlier, he's working incredibly hard to try and deliver that for us and for himself and for his teammates. And he can do no more. We're in that process of just getting him where he needs to be in terms of sharpness and fitness.”