Yoane Wissa's uphill World Cup battle as he remains patient over Newcastle United debut
Yoane Wissa is yet to train for Newcastle United after suffering a knee injury while on international duty last month.
Yoane Wissa’s chances of competing at next year’s World Cup now appear an uphill task as their qualifying group drew to a close.
Newcastle United supporters are well aware of how DR Congo fared during last month’s international break. Wissa - yet to train since becoming a Toon player - suffered a knee injury in a 3-2 defeat to Senegal.
An awkward fall while unchallenged made everyone back home on Tyneside wince, with fears about a possible lengthy spell on the sidelines. He immediately underwent a scan and was given a six-week lay-off.
Eddie Howe update and Newcastle United conspiracy
Eddie Howe told reporters a fortnight ago that Wissa’s return would be delayed. He is now expected to return at the start of November - possibly for the trip to West Ham United.
"Yoane saw a specialist again yesterday for a check-up on his knee,” Howe said. “We probably think now it’ll be eight weeks rather than six (in total). No recurrence or problem, just slightly longer.”
This update fuelled conspiracies on corners of Newcastle social media circles about Wissa suffering an ACL tear. However, it is understood those noises are incorrect and the 29-year-old - barring another setback - should return next month.
World Cup nightmare
Wissa was forced to watch on as his World Cup dream almost went up in smoke. In truth, even if he did play for DR Congo, his impact would have been irrelevant as they won both fixtures 1-0.
They were reliant on the remote possibility of Senegal slipping up against South Sudan or Mauritania. Neither outcome happened, with DR Congo forced to lick their wounds for surrendering a 2-0 lead in the game Wissa injured his knee.
Had the Congolese held on, they would now boast an automatic World Cup spot. Instead, Wissa must prepare for a convoluted play-off system - leaving his hopes of competing at next year’s showpiece tournament hanging by a thread.
A four-team play-off - including Gabon, Cameroon and Nigeria - will compete later this year. This winner will progress to an inter-confederation play-off in March against countries from the CONCACAF, AFC, CONMEBOL and OFC governing bodies.
Yoane Wissa on joining Newcastle United
Following his move, Wissa told the club's official website: "I'm really happy to be here and to sign for one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League.
"I'm very excited to put on the black and white shirt. I've got dreams, I've got faith and now I will do my best to make it all happen. I can't wait to get started."