Newcastle United: Yoane Wissa’s latest exploits could be exactly what Eddie Howe needs
Newcastle United striker Yoane Wissa could spring into life after the international break after scoring for DR Congo on Wednesday.
It has certainly not been plain sailing for Wissa since he joined Newcastle from Brentford last summer, after he struggled with injury woes in his first few months at the club.
He suffered a serious knee injury on international duty for DR Congo just a week after his move, and had to wait until early December to make his debut against Burnley.
Wissa has since struggled for form, despite being fully fit, and has not even played a part in four of the Magpies’ last six matches across all competitions.
He has returned to the goal trail while on international duty, however, and it could give him the confidence to make an impact in Newcastle’s next match against Crystal Palace.
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VISIT THE NEWCASTLE MATCH HUBYoane Wissa’s latest international exploits could be huge helping hand for Newcastle
Many Newcastle fans have criticised Wissa for his performances, while Eddie Howe has also received flack for the way he has handled his recovery.
Sources have exclusively told Football Insider that Newcastle are concerned about Wissa’s form, but a return to the scoresheet could be exactly what he needs to burst into life.
| Appearances (starts) | 13 (4) |
| Goals | 1 |
| Shot accuracy | 45% |
| Chances created per 90 | 0.42 |
| Successful dribbles % | 12.5% |
| Touches in opposition box per 90 | 5.7 |
| Duels won % | 25.5% |
His last Newcastle strike came 10 appearances ago against PSV in January, but he netted for DR Congo from the penalty spot in a friendly against Bermuda on Wednesday.
The calibre of opposition may not be close to what he comes up against at club level, but that feeling of scoring should give the 29-year-old more confidence to find the net when he returns to Newcastle.
Wissa finding form in the latter stages of the campaign would serve as a huge boost to the Magpies and under-pressure boss Howe as they look to seal European qualification this season.
Wissa needs to score more or Newcastle could cut their losses this summer
Sources have told Football Insider that Newcastle are planning to replace Wissa this summer, so it’s clear that his future is up in the air right now.
He has been one of the biggest transfer flops in the Premier League this season, but can redeem himself with some improved form over the next two months.
The Magpies have some pretty winnable games between now and the end of the campaign, as they face the likes of Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, West Ham and Fulham.
Wissa will likely need to make an impact off the bench before being trusted to start, and will hope that this goal gives him the confidence to do so, or he could be on his way out of St James’ Park this summer.
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