Newcastle United new boy Yoane Wissa will have to wait a bit longer for his Magpies debut due to an unexpected setback. The DR Congo international sustained a knee injury while on national duty and, despite further assessment, won’t be back in time for his anticipated return date. This was initially indicated by Eddie Howe to be the away match against Brighton later this month, suggesting that his debut might now take place against West Ham.
In his press conference ahead of this weekend’s game against Nottingham Forest, Howe revealed: “Yoane saw a specialist again yesterday for a check-up on his knee. We probably think now it’ll be eight weeks rather than six. No recurrence or problem, just slightly longer.”
When questioned about whether he would be ready for an immediate challenge with Nick Woltemade, Howe responded: “Yoane is not really in that train of thought at the minute. He’s still trying to get fit and feel good within his body.
“When he’s fit then he’ll be thinking, like all players do, that he wants to get his position and earn his shirt.
“From Nick’s side, he’s got competition from Will Osula, who did really well on his sub appearance the other day and set the goal up for Harvey.
“There is good competition but Yoane is one that will add a different dynamic.”
However, there was more positive news regarding fellow new signing Jacob Ramsey, who could be back for the encounter against Nottingham Forest slightly ahead of schedule.
Howe said: “Jacob Ramsey could be involved this weekend, so he is slightly quicker than expected.”
The Magpies boss also provided further details of Tino Livramento’s lay off and confirmed it was a knee ligament injury.
He said: “It’s a ligament injury but not an ACL. He’s already had injections in the knee.
“He went to see a specialist this week after our until scan looked better. We feared it was months, so it was good news that it’s only weeks.”
