Newcastle’s Yoane Wissa issue is becoming a serious problem for Eddie Howe | Football | Sport

Yoane Wissa’s injury, and his resulting absence, is rapidly becoming a grave concern for Eddie Howe and Newcastle United. If it isn’t addressed promptly, the consequences could be massive. Wissa has not yet made his debut for Newcastle following his £55million transfer from Brentford. The timeline of his return remains uncertain to everyone. Of course, this isn’t the player’s fault. Injuries are an unpredictable and inevitable part of football.

However, how a club responds to them is something that can be managed. Newcastle are showing patience with the DR Congo international, which is entirely appropriate. Knee injuries are complex and if the rehabilitation isn’t handled correctly, it can lead to complications and further delays. Regrettably, Newcastle are currently feeling the impact. Wissa was expected to be the ‘Premier League-ready’ striker that Newcastle required.

They had considered Jorgen Strand Larsen, Joao Pedro and Liam Delap, but missed out on them for various reasons. However, with Alexander Isak set to leave St James’ Park, they needed a near-identical replacement.

Wissa’s qualities are akin to what Isak offered. He has the ability to drift wide, possesses speed and strength to challenge defences and run the channels, and also has a lethal instinct within the 18-yard box. His tally of 19 goals for Brentford last season attests to his calibre.

Given how late the transfer was completed, Eddie Howe was crying out for someone who could make an immediate impact. Each passing day without Wissa demonstrates precisely why that urgency was so vital. That’s not to diminish Nick Woltemade’s efforts.

The £69m signing has proven a tremendous success since his arrival and has netted some valuable and spectacular strikes. Operating as the main striker, however, doesn’t suit him naturally. The towering German’s approach is less compatible with the high-octane, relentless, all-action philosophy Howe has established so effectively in recent seasons.

This has forced Newcastle to modify their approach and tactical set-up. Woltemade offered supporters a glimpse into the manager’s instructions during his midweek comments about Howe’s expectations.

The forward explained: “At Stuttgart, I was dropping. But now I am in the position of No 9 so most of the time with my back to the goal. I lay the ball off for the guys or turn around into the sides so it is different. Eddie Howe wants me to drop deep and go into midfield and get the balls for the guys.

“I can improve in the No 9 position in a 4-3-3. I don’t know what it will be like when everybody is fit, like Wissa. Maybe we will play together – I don’t know.” Nobody has those answers right now, Nick. That’s part of the dilemma.

Even upon his comeback, Wissa will require time to rediscover his match fitness before inevitably departing for the African Cup of Nations with DR Congo for a month.

Precisely when United will likely need him most desperately. Newcastle United are in dire need of diversifying their attack to increase goal opportunities, a fact acknowledged by manager Eddie Howe at the Foundation dinner earlier this week.

The idea of pairing Woltemade and Wissa on the field could necessitate a tactical shift, but it’s clear that something needs to change swiftly this season. It was glaringly apparent during the Brentford match that the home team had sussed out how to counter Woltemade’s play style.

They were aware he wouldn’t challenge the defence with deep runs and were content to let him approach the ball, enabling them to press high and stifle Newcastle’s midfield. Other Premier League teams have caught on as well. While playing at St James’ Park, with Newcastle leading the charge, it might be easier to adjust, but it’s becoming a significant problem when they’re away.

As a result, Newcastle are just two points clear of the relegation zone. Howe, being the skilled coach that he is, will undoubtedly find a solution. Whether his £55m striker will be part of that solution, however, remains to be seen.