Newcastle Handed Major Yoane Wissa Boost by DR Congo

Yoane Wissa has been omitted from DR Congo’s squad for the Africa Cup of Nations, giving Newcastle an unexpected boost as the forward approaches full fitness.

The Athletic confirmed on Monday the 29-year-old “has been left out of DR Congo’s squad for the Africa Cup of Nations later this month,” despite broader expectations he would be selected once healthy.

Wissa has yet to make his debut after joining from Brentford for £55million, having suffered a knee injury while on international duty in September.

The Athletic noted that he “sustained a knee injury” against Senegal and that initial fears of a serious ACL issue were later dismissed. His recovery included a minor setback, and Eddie Howe explained his status this week.

“He had an 11 vs. 11 game this week while we were at Everton,” Howe said. “He will have another one this week, and we will see where he is… He is working back, and he is doing well… he will be back involved when we think he is able to contribute to the group.”

The decision by DR Congo removes the possibility of an enforced absence that could have sidelined Wissa for nearly a month. The Athletic’s analysis stressed the significance.

“Had Wissa been called up, he would have had to head to the AFCON, otherwise he would have been banned from playing for Newcastle during that period,” they wrote.

Instead, Wissa is now available to feature once his knee is ready, potentially within the next two weeks.

Newcastle view Wissa as a Premier League-ready forward who can support Nick Woltemade, who has scored seven goals in 14 starts. His absence has forced Howe to rely heavily on the German, but Wissa’s involvement in behind-closed-doors matches suggests his competitive debut is close.