DR Congo Player to Skip AFCON Duties for Newcastle Debut

In a major blow to DR Congo and a major boost to Newcastle United, a major DR Congo player in Newcastle United chose to skip the upcoming AFCON 2025. Yoane Wissa, yet to make his Newcastle United debut, will stay behind to miss the mid-season continental tournament and aim to regain full fitness.

Find out more about Yoane Wissa injury, Yoane Wissa Newcastle debut, and Yoane Wissa AFCON 2025 availability.

Yoane Wissa to skip AFCON 2025

The 2025/26 season has been nothing short of a nightmare for Wissa so far. The Congolese international first went on a strike to force a move away from Brentford. He changed his social media handles and threw tantrums at the club to get his dream move. After much drama, he eventually got his move to Tyneside after a big-money move. However, the striker arrived at St. James’ Park with a knee injury. He was forced to miss an initial month for his new club. But a new diagnosis revealed the damage was much severe, and Yoane Wissa Newcastle Debut was further and further away.

As he slowly makes his journey to full fitness, the AFCON 2025 arrives at his doorstep. In order to build his fitness and not play half-fit for his country, he informed his country's management. The coach, Sebastien Desabre, felt it was a sensible decision to leave him out amidst his injury uncertainties. As DR Congo prepares for AFCON, Wissa will not be a part of the squad. He will, however, be aiming to make it in time for the World Cup intercontinental playoff in March 2026.

Yoane Wissa Newcastle Debut

As Wissa steps up his rehab, he is taking part in closed-door 11 v 11 games. His manager, Eddie Howe, speaking to the media ahead of the Tottenham game, revealed, "He had an 11 vs 11 game this week while we were at Everton. He will have another one this week, and we will see where he is.

“There has been no change. He is working back, and he is doing well; everything is positive, but he will be back involved when we think he can contribute to the group.”

That said, Wissa will be eyeing to make his Newcastle United debut later in December. He will be a rotation option for Nick Woltemade initially.

The striker who scored 19 times for Brentford last season can even stake a claim for the starting spot if he can recapture his form. Howe even had plans for a front two that could feature both Woltemade and Wissa together. For the DR Congo player at Newcastle United, an exciting December and January lie ahead.