'False' - Newcastle United set the record straight as Yoane Wissa's injury absence extended
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has issued an injury update on Yoane Wissa.
Newcastle United striker Yoane Wissa is ‘back on the grass’ and now ‘gradually’ stepping up his return from injury.
Wissa joined the Magpies from Brentford for £55million on September 1 but is yet to make his debut after sustaining posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) on international duty with the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The 29-year-old was initially ruled out until after the October international break, with Saturday’s Premier League trip to Brighton & Hove Albion pencilled in as a potential return date.
But speaking ahead of the 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest just under a fortnight ago, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe revealed the striker’s return had been pushed back a further couple of weeks.
“He went to see a specialist again just for a check-up on his knee, probably think it'll be more eight weeks than six, so maybe a slight delay, no reoccurrence, no problem, just maybe slightly longer,” Howe said.
Yoane Wissa ‘back on the grass’ at Newcastle United’s training ground
Providing a new update ahead of the visit to the Amex Stadium, Wissa remains on track for the eight-week time frame, which could see him make his debut against either West Ham United on November 2, Athletic Club on November 5 or Brentford on November 9.
It’s been suggested that the visit to former club Brentford is viewed as the most realistic return date.
Howe said on Friday: “Yeah, so we've seen Yoane back on the grass, which is, well, the first time on the grass, which is great to see. And I think his knees reacted pretty well to that work so far. So it will now be a case of trying to step him up gradually.
“Yeah, in terms of timelines, similar to what I said last time, I get confused with the dates as to where we were, but nothing's changed.”
Eddie Howe shuts down Yoane Wissa ACL rumours
Wissa’s absence and the uncertainty surrounding the exact nature of his injury have led to rumours of an ACL injury on social media. But Howe has rubbished those claims, confirming a PCL injury.
Howe added: “Yeah, well, I think he's been managed by the physio team and the doctors really well so far. He's responded well to the treatment. I think the specialist initially gave him a diagnosis of six to eight weeks and he's on track for that.
“We were obviously trying to work towards the six but it looks like it's going to be more towards the eight, as I said before. But there's been no issues. I know there's been a lot of media noise around his injury but a lot of that's been false information. So we're just working towards that timescale.”
Will Yoane Wissa go to the African Cup of Nations?
Following the Brentford match, DR Congo face Cameroon in a World Cup play-off match and should they win would then face Gabon or Nigeria for a place at next summer’s World Cup in the United States.
DR Congo are also taking part in the African Cup of Nations from December 21 onwards, but Howe would not be drawn on whether he would ask Wissa to snub his country and remain on Tyneside.
Howe said: “I think just one step at a time for us. I think let's just focus on getting him fit and available first. I think that's all we can do.
“The medical team have been working really hard with him. I know he's absolutely desperate to get out and play and show his worth. There's no doubting his qualities. But yes, I think just one step at a time.”