Report: When Yoane Wissa wants to make his Newcastle United debut after AFCON decision

Written on Tuesday, 02 December 2025
James Rutherford

Newcastle United fans are suddenly about to see a lot of Yoane Wissa.

The forward has been stepping up his recovery from injury, with Yoane Wissa returning to training ahead of the Everton game.

Further good news was to follow, with confirmation that Wissa is not going to the Africa Cup of Nations. DR Congo have opted not to select the £55million man, as Wissa prepares to focus on Newcastle United.

While it is a shame for Wissa to miss a major international tournament, it is music to the ears of Eddie Howe who is desperate to unleash his new number nine.

How much has Yoane Wissa endeared himself to Newcastle United fans already?!

He’s not even kicked a ball yet and it suddenly feels even more exciting. How buzzing are you?

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Yoane Wissa eyeing Newcastle United debut against Burnley

The 29-year-old is desperate to make up for lost time in black and white, and his Toon debut could come as soon as this week.

It has been reported by the Daily Mail that Wissa is ‘pushing’ to be involved against Burnley on Saturday.

The Magpies are set to face the Clarets at St James’ Park, with Wissa eager to be on the bench for the first time in his Newcastle United career.

Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images

It was previously reported that Wissa could debut against Sunderland in the Tyne-Wear derby, but now it could be earlier than that.

Providing he builds up his fitness enough in the next few days, it would be great to see him involved against Burnley this weekend. It would be particularly great for Nick Woltemade, who will benefit from having another striker to dovetail with.

How many games has Yoane Wissa missed for Newcastle United?

Since becoming one of Newcastle’s most expensive signings ever, Wissa has missed 17 games due to a knee injury.

Not long until we see THIS Yoane Wissa!

How many goals will he score this season?

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That will increase to 18 on Tuesday night when Eddie Howe’s side take on Tottenham Hotspur. Wissa is not expected to feature against his former manager Thomas Frank.

Given the volume of games he has already missed, it is a major boost for Newcastle that Wissa is not going to AFCON. His £55million transfer is already being questioned, and concerns would only have intensified if he went away on international duty so soon after returning to fitness.

Fortunately, the decision has been made by all parties for Wissa to remain on Tyneside.