Newcastle United face Wolverhampton Wanderers this weekend in the Premier League, but manager Eddie Howe has revealed some mixed news for the Magpies faithful. Summer signing Yoane Wissa is sidelined with a knee injury picked up during international duty, adding to the club's injury woes.
Wissa's Injury a Blow for Newcastle
The DR Congo international, a recent arrival from Brentford, will undergo further tests to determine the extent of the injury. Howe expressed his disappointment, acknowledging Wissa's established Premier League goalscoring record and the difficulty in finding such talent. “Unfortunately, he won't make this game,” Howe confirmed. “I saw him for the first time yesterday and he's feeling the effects of the injury he sustained just before he came off.”
Jacob Ramsey is also out of contention, still recovering from an ankle injury sustained against Leeds United. This potentially sidelines him for several games, including key Champions League fixtures. Joelinton's return from a groin injury offers some relief, but the absence of both Wissa and Ramsey presents a challenge for Howe's selection.
Woltemade Set for Debut?
With Wissa unavailable, Nick Woltemade, Newcastle's club-record signing from VfB Stuttgart, is in line for his debut against Wolves. Howe has been impressed with Woltemade’s training performances. “Yes, he’s fine,” Howe said of Woltemade. “He’s trained well. I’ve been really, really pleased with how he…”. This could be a golden opportunity for the young German striker to make an immediate impact.
Tough Fixture List Ahead
Howe acknowledged the demanding schedule ahead, describing it as a “storm of games” with quick turnarounds. He emphasized the need for the entire squad to be ready to play. The Newcastle boss will be hoping that Woltemade can step up and fill the void left by Wissa’s injury as they navigate a challenging period.
The match against Wolves represents a chance for Newcastle to secure their first league win of the 2025/26 season. However, with key players missing, they will need to be at their best to overcome a Wolves side eager to bounce back from a series of opening defeats.