Yoane Wissa appears ready to make his Newcastle United debut at long last.
Almost 100 days after signing for Newcastle United from Brentford, Wissa could feature in the squad against Burnley in Saturday’s Premier League game.
It has been a long road for the £50million striker, who could end up costing the club a total of £55million if the criteria for various add-ons are met.
Based on Howe’s comments, do you reckon we’ll see Wissa make his Toon debut vs Burnley?
So far he’s looked good and come through everything. We still have training today and we have to make a decision if he is not just fit but fit to make a difference.
Eddie Howe on Yoane Wissa returning vs Burnley
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Excitingly, Wissa has impressed his Newcastle teammates in training, although a full judgement can only be made when he actually appears in Eddie Howe’s first-team.
The Newcastle United manager wouldn’t fully commit to the idea that Wissa would be in Saturday’s squad, but a social media hint just hours before the Clarets game may move the story along somewhat.
Yoane Wissa hints he’s ready to make his Newcastle United debut against Burnley
The DR Congo international posted a story on his Instagram page on Saturday morning, just a few hours before kick-off at St James’ Park.
It was a picture of him taken during his first interview as a Newcastle United player, captioned: “Story”.
An open book image accompanied it, along with one of a clapperboard.
That would certainly suggest that the Wissa era could finally be set to dawn on Tyneside.
Including Martin Dubravka, there are 12 players who have played for both Newcastle and Burnley! How many do you reckon you can name!
Don’t forget there are two current Newcastle players who were once at Burnley.
Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images
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How many goals Yoane Wissa has scored against Burnley
Wissa certainly has previous in scoring against the Clarets.
In three games against the Turf Moor side, the 29-year-old found the back of the net once.
It seems incredibly unlikely that Wissa will start if he is indeed in the matchday squad but at least having him on the bench is a major boost for Howe.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Nick Woltemade has been excellent but the German needs help up front, especially ahead of the frantic festive fixture schedule.
Wissa feels like he owes Newcastle, having been made to wait for his debut after a freak knee injury sustained while on international duty.
Clearly, there’s little he could have done about that and he certainly doesn’t need to feel as if he’s already indebted to the club or their supporters.
However, that extra motivation can only be a good thing for Howe. If Wissa does come on and score against Scott Parker’s side, St James’ will erupt.
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