Yoane Wissa has been left out of DR Congo’s AFCON squad, handing Newcastle United a big boost ahead of the busy festive period.
Newcastle signed the 29-year-old from Brentford for a £55million fee in the summer, shortly after securing a record sale for Alexander Isak.
Wissa joined as Isak’s replacement, but a knee injury has prevented him from even making his debut for the Magpies.
Stretched thin in the attacking department, Newcastle have tumbled down to 13th place in the Premier League table.
They have only scored 17 goals in 13 games so far and need more inspiration in attack in the second half of the season.
Newcastle Boost As Wissa Axed From AFCON Squad
Newcastle United will have Yoane Wissa available for more games than they initially expected in December and January.
On Monday, Wissa was left out of DR Congo’s AFCON 2025 squad in Morocco. Hence, he will be available to Newcastle throughout January. This news comes amid reports of Wissa’s imminent return from injury.
🚨 – MAJOR BREAKING – #NUFC striker Yoane Wissa is NOT going to AFCON with DR Congo! ❌
Huge news. 👀 pic.twitter.com/R97viNUQuF
— Magpie Media (@MagpieMediaX) December 1, 2025
This year, AFCON runs from 21 December to 18 January, coinciding with the fixture-packed festive period.
Manchester United are one of the most affected, with three of their first-team players – Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon), Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco), and Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast) – set to leave for the tournament.
United’s top scorer Mbeumo could miss eight games due to AFCON, as he is likely to join Cameroon two weeks before the tournament begins.
Eddie Howe Shares Yoane Wissa Injury Update
Ahead of Newcastle’s clash with Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday, Eddie Howe shared the latest on Yoane Wissa’s recovery.
Howe confirmed that Wissa’s recovery was on track but did not guarantee a return date.
“He had an 11 vs 11 game this week while we were at Everton. He will have another one this week, and we will see where he is,” said Howe.
“There has been no change. He is working back, and he is doing well; everything is positive, but he will be back involved when we think he is able to contribute to the group.
“And has a minimal chance of reinjury. Whenever he comes back from his perspective, and our perspective, that first goal will be important.“
🚨 🇨🇩 Yoane Wissa played his fist 11 v 11 closed door match for Newcastle on Saturday.
⚽️ The striker came through the match unscathed and is set to play in another one this midweek.
🗣️ “We will see how he is after that” says Newcastle boss Eddie Howe when asked about a return… pic.twitter.com/MBGX2FIUwr— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) December 1, 2025
Wissa enjoyed the best Premier League campaign of his career in 2024/25. He played 35 games for Brentford, scoring 19 goals and providing four assists.
The former Ligue 1 forward has played 137 games in the English top flight so far, scoring 45 goals and claiming 11 assists.
