Craig Hope says he’s changed his mind on when he thinks Yoane Wissa will return from injury

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Yoane Wissa’s Newcastle United debut could be put on hold for even longer.

That is the view of Craig Hope, who has been speaking about the Newcastle United striker ahead of Sunday’s game against West Ham at the London Stadium.

Eddie Howe has confirmed that Yoane Wissa will miss that game, which does not come as a major surprise. While Wissa was at Newcastle’s win over Spurs on Wednesday, it was only to support his teammates.

The 29-year-old is yet to begin full training after his knee injury, with the Newcastle United manager unable to state when Wissa will be available to make his Toon debut.

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Craig Hope thinks Yoane Wissa’s Newcastle United debut could be delayed

Amid the Magpies’ gruelling schedule, Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope had previously stated that Yoane Wissa could make his debut against Brentford on 9th November. That would be quite the occasion given the controversial nature of his £55million move away from the Bees this summer.

However, even that game might come too soon for Wissa. That is according to Hope, who has admitted on his YouTube channel that he has changed his stance on when the number nine will make his first appearance of the season.

“I’ve been writing for a little while now that Brentford was perhaps the most realistic comeback date,” he said.

“I’ve changed my mind on that guys. Now I really think we won’t see Yoane Wissa until after the international break at the earliest.”

Newcastle United can afford to be cautious with Yoane Wissa

If Newcastle decide to hold Wissa back until immediately after the November international break, he will have missed 14 games since his arrival.

It would also mean his debut could come at home to Manchester City, who the Magpies face on 22nd November.

That feels a long way away for a player who was brought in to immediately hit the ground running and help ease Nick Woltemade into life as a Premier League forward. However, it would be wise for Eddie Howe and co to act with caution when it comes to Wissa’s return.

Given the amount of money invested and the impact that he can eventually have, the last thing Newcastle will want to do is rush Wissa back and risk a further setback.

It is a risk they do not need to take either. Woltemade is playing brilliantly for Newcastle United and appears to be coping with the relentless fixture schedule. He is being backed up by Will Osula, who has raised his own game while also nursing an ankle problem.

Newcastle have coped without Wissa better than expected, which buys them a bit more time as they ponder when to hand him his debut.