A familiar club-versus-country conflict is brewing at St James' Park as Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe pointedly avoided addressing whether key forward Yoane Wissa will be available for Premier League duty during January's Africa Cup of Nations.
Howe's evasive tactics during Friday's press conference have raised alarm bells among Newcastle supporters, suggesting the Magpies may be preparing for a significant January absence of their Congolese attacker.
The Press Conference Dodge
When directly questioned about Wissa's potential participation in the tournament hosted in Morocco, Howe delivered a masterclass in deflection. "I'm not going to talk about that today," the Newcastle boss stated, offering no further clarification on one of the most pressing issues facing his squad.
The timing couldn't be more delicate for Newcastle, who face the prospect of losing multiple African internationals during the critical winter period. Wissa's potential departure would represent a substantial blow to Newcastle's attacking options during a traditionally challenging fixture period.
Wissa's Growing Importance
Since his arrival, the DR Congo international has established himself as a crucial component of Howe's attacking machinery. His pace, direct running, and eye for goal have made him a fan favourite and a consistent threat in Premier League encounters.
The potential loss comes at a particularly inopportune moment for Newcastle, who will be navigating multiple competitions and facing increased fixture congestion. Wissa's absence would force a significant tactical reshuffle and test the depth of Howe's squad.
AFCON's Complicated Schedule
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations presents additional complications with its scheduling from January 4th to February 1st. This timeframe overlaps with one of the Premier League's most demanding periods, including potential FA Cup fixtures and the busy festive schedule.
Newcastle aren't alone in facing this dilemma, with several Premier League clubs anticipating similar selection headaches. However, Howe's reluctance to provide clarity suggests negotiations behind the scenes may be more complex than initially anticipated.
What This Means for Newcastle
The situation leaves Newcastle supporters in an uncomfortable limbo, uncertain whether their attacking talisman will be available for crucial winter fixtures. Howe's evasiveness indicates the club may be preparing for the worst while hoping for a favourable resolution.
As the January tournament approaches, all eyes will be on how this delicate club-versus-country standoff unfolds. One thing remains certain: Eddie Howe faces some difficult conversations in the coming weeks as he balances international commitments with Newcastle's domestic ambitions.
