Newcastle United's dramatic 3-2 comeback victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers has been severely overshadowed by concerning news from the international break, with Brentford striker Yoane Wissa sustaining a significant injury.
The DR Congo forward was forced off during his national team's match against Morocco, casting a major shadow over his club's preparations and sparking fury from Bees manager Thomas Frank.
International Duty Injury Sparks Club vs Country Row
Wissa, a pivotal figure in Brentford's attack, was substituted in the 36th minute of Congo's 1-0 defeat after pulling up with what appeared to be a hamstring issue. The injury occurred just days before Brentford's crucial Premier League fixture against Newcastle United at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Brentford's management are understandably furious, with the injury occurring during an international friendly rather than a competitive fixture. The timing could hardly be worse for the West London club, who are already contending with the absence of key striker Ivan Toney.
Thomas Frank's Furious Reaction
Brentford manager Thomas Frank did not hide his frustration when addressing the media. "It's so frustrating because it's a friendly game," he stated. "I don't understand why they didn't do more to prevent this. We're now facing another attacking crisis because of a meaningless friendly."
Frank's anger highlights the ongoing tension between club managers and national teams regarding player welfare, particularly during international breaks that include non-competitive matches.
Newcastle's Momentum Meets Brentford's Crisis
The injury news comes as Newcastle United build significant momentum following their stunning comeback against Wolves. The Magpies were trailing 2-1 until the 85th minute before completing a dramatic turnaround with goals from substitute Harvey Barnes.
While Eddie Howe's side will welcome any advantage ahead of their trip to Brentford, the loss of Wissa represents a significant blow to the competitive balance of the upcoming fixture. The Congolese international has been in impressive form this season, making his potential absence all the more impactful.
Medical staff with the DR Congo national team are assessing the extent of Wissa's injury, but early indications suggest a hamstring strain that could keep him sidelined for several weeks. Brentford fans will be anxiously awaiting further updates as their team prepares for a critical period in their Premier League campaign.
