Eddie Howe admits Yoane Wissa still far from Newcastle United debut

The DR Congo international completed a deadline-day move from Brentford earlier this season but has yet to feature for the Magpies after sustaining the injury on September 9 during a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Senegal.

Wissa was assessed by a specialist before Newcastle's clash with Nottingham Forest on October 5, and initial hopes of a quick return were soon dismissed. Howe later conceded that the 29-year-old forward would be out for "slightly longer" than first anticipated, having previously been tipped to return in time for the trip to Brighton on October 18, according to Africanfootball.com.

Speaking ahead of Saturday's Premier League fixture against West Ham United, Howe admitted that there remains no clear timeline for Wissa's return to full fitness.

"Definitely not West Ham," Howe said when asked if the forward could feature this weekend.

"He's working very hard and is out on the grass, but he's still not close to training with the group — not because of a new injury, but due to fitness levels.

"I'm not trying to be evasive, but I genuinely don't know when he'll be back with the squad," the Newcastle boss added.

Wissa's absence has left Newcastle short of attacking options, though Howe remains hopeful the former Brentford star will make an impact once fully fit later in the campaign.