Striker not quite ready to play but club have a return date in mind, says manager Eddie Howe
Newcastle United’s summer signing Yoane Wissa has joined his new teammates in training for the first time since his deadline day move.
The striker has yet to make his debut after picking up a knee injury while away on international duty shortly after his arrival from Brentford.
But manager Eddie Howe confirmed on Friday that Wissa has now rejoined full training, although he is still not ready to play.
“He is doing well,” said Howe. “He trained with us for the first time on Wednesday so I was really pleased with how he looked.
“That’s his first time competitively with the group. Let’s see how he responds today.
“We’ve got [a return date] in mind, but it’s probably best if I keep that to myself. We don’t want to disappoint anyone. Of course, we want to involve him as soon as possible.”
Wissa arrived at St James’ Park in a deal worth around £55m, brought in to help fill the void left by Alexander Isak’s record transfer to Liverpool.
But his Newcastle career has so far been delayed by injury, meaning that Howe has only Wissa’s fellow summer signing Nick Woltemade and the inexperienced William Osula as his attacking options during a difficult opening to the season.
There was less positive news elsewhere in the squad. Howe confirmed that Kieran Trippier will be sidelined for around a month with a hamstring problem.
Newcastle face Everton on Saturday. The Toon go into the weekend sitting 14th in the table, four points clear of the drop zone.
They are looking to respond to a midweek defeat away to Marseille in the Champions League, and to build on last weekend’s surprise home win over Manchester City.
