Yoane Wissa set for Newcastle debut after injury scare on International duty

The 29-year-old, who joined Newcastle from Brentford for a reported fee of fifty-five million pounds on deadline day, travelled straight into international duty for 2026 World Cup qualifiers. He marked his return with a goal in DR Congo's 4-1 victory over South Sudan, before scoring again in the home clash with Senegal.

However, his second goal came in a match that ended in disappointment, as Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Pape Matar Sarr struck an 87th-minute winner to seal a 3-2 victory for Senegal. Wissa had already left the pitch shortly before with a knee concern, raising fears over his availability for Newcastle.

Wissa returned to Tyneside on Thursday and underwent scans with the club's medical team. The results came back clear, and he has been passed fit to feature at St James' Park on Saturday. He is due to train with his new teammates for the first time on Friday.

Speaking about his move, Wissa said: "I'm really happy to be here and to sign for one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League. I'm very, 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."

Manager Eddie Howe welcomed the arrival, adding: "Yoane is a player who we have admired for some time and we're delighted to have him on board. He brings proven Premier League quality, demonstrated not only by his goalscoring output but also the crucial work he does for the team. He has pace, power and an excellent work rate. He immediately makes us stronger."

Wissa scored 19 goals for Brentford last season and arrives with no adaptation concerns, unlike Newcastle's club-record signing Nick Woltemade, who joined from Werder Bremen for sixty-nine million pounds. Howe has said Woltemade will need time to adjust to English football after his Bundesliga spell.

Newcastle, who drew 0-0 at Leeds United before the international break, will be hoping Wissa can provide the cutting edge when he makes his first appearance in black and white at St James' Park.

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