Magpies' Record Signing Takes to Public Lanes in Fitness Battle
In a surprising move that has charmed locals, Newcastle United's £55 million striker Yoane Wissa has turned to his local public swimming pool as part of his determined comeback from injury. The 29-year-old forward, a high-profile signing from Brentford on 1st September, suffered a cruel setback almost immediately after his transfer.
International Duty Leads to Knee Injury
The Congolese international sustained a significant knee injury while representing the DR Congo national team, halting his Magpies debut before it could even begin. Rather than confining his rehabilitation solely to the club's private facilities, Wissa has taken a proactive and very public approach to regaining his fitness.
He has been regularly attending swim sessions at Jesmond Pool in Newcastle, sharing the public lanes with club veterans, pensioners, and students. This unconventional training method for a Premier League star has not gone unnoticed by the community.
One local swimmer quipped about the unusual sight, noting, "He maybe likes it as there is no chlorine used and it's handy for him. But it was still a surprise to see Newcastle Utd's star striker in the slow lane."
A Personal Mission for Fitness
According to insiders at the club, these aquatic workouts are entirely Wissa's own initiative. A source confirmed, "He is doing all of this in his free time. There are hydro facilities at the training ground so he can get into the water there. So this is about using his own free time to get in shape." This demonstrates the player's personal dedication to returning to the pitch as quickly as possible.
He hasn't been alone in his efforts, having been spotted at his last Jesmond session with fellow teammate and Toon centre-half Malik Thiaw.
Despite his hard work, manager Eddie Howe has provided a cautious update on the striker's timeline. Howe admitted, "He's working very hard, he's on the grass, he's getting the fitness work in that he needs. I'd say he's not close to training with the group at the moment, not through injury but through fitness." The manager was clear that a return date remains uncertain, emphasising the need to build Wissa's robustness carefully before reintegrating him with the squad.
