Wissa Omitted From DR Congo Squad as Newcastle Debut Slips Beyond Brentford

Overview

• DR Congo released a 25‑man list for the World Cup play‑off against Cameroon that did not include Yoane Wissa.
• Newcastle now expect the forward to miss Sunday’s trip to Brentford, with no firm debut date set though a return after the international break has been reported as the target.
• Howe said Wissa is not close to training with the group and stressed the focus on fitness and robustness rather than a fresh injury.
• The 29‑year‑old moved from Brentford for about £55m and has yet to feature for Newcastle after a knee injury sustained for DR Congo against Senegal on September 9.
• The Daily Mail’s Craig Hope reported it is increasingly unlikely Wissa will go to the African Cup of Nations, and Alan Shearer has urged him to remain with Newcastle during his recovery.