Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has declined to be drawn into a growing club-versus-country dispute over Yoane Wissa’s potential involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations. The £55 million striker, who has yet to make his debut since a deadline-day move from Brentford, is recovering from a posterior cruciate ligament injury sustained while on duty with the Democratic Republic of Congo in September.
Wissa has only recently begun light running on grass and is undergoing intensive physiotherapy, with a possible first appearance for Newcastle expected in mid-November. Alan Shearer, the club’s former captain and manager, suggested the forward should prioritise his club and reject any call-up for the tournament in Morocco in December and January.
“That’s a conversation I’m not going to get involved in,” Howe said when asked if he supported Shearer’s view. “It’s not fair on Yoane. I haven’t seen Alan’s comments but that’s one I’ll stay away from.” Shearer had criticised Wissa for playing a key role in World Cup qualifiers despite barely training during the summer while trying to force a move to Newcastle.
Howe expressed relief at Wissa’s rapid recovery from an injury that can sometimes require surgery and a nine-month layoff. “It’s great to see him on the grass for the first time,” he said. “He’s reacted well to that work so far. Now it’s a case of stepping him up gradually.”
Meanwhile, Newcastle officials are in regular contact with counterparts in Marseille regarding fan travel for the Champions League fixture in late November. Despite a recent ban on Ajax supporters, no such prohibition is anticipated for Newcastle fans due to their exemplary behaviour in Europe. A club spokesperson confirmed fans are currently permitted to travel, with many already making arrangements and charter flights organised.
