Eddie Howe has rocked Newcastle United’s world on the eve of their Premier League encounter with Wolves.
Toon fans have been hoping to see two Newcastle United debuts against Wolves, with Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade hoping to be unleashed.
Ahead of the game, all the talk has been that Wissa is likely to start ahead of the Germany international.
Newcastle want to be patient with Woltemade, while Wissa is a Premier League proven talent who can have an immediate impact.
However, that is suddenly not the case.
Eddie Howe confirms Yoane Wissa injury
Ahead of Newcastle vs Wolves, Eddie Howe has spoken to the media.
The Newcastle United manager has confirmed that Wissa will not be available to make his debut on Saturday, after suffering an injury while on international duty.
“Unfortunately he [Wissa] won’t make this game,” he said.
“I saw him for the first time yesterday and he’s feeling the effects of the injury sustained just before he came off [while on international duty]. We’re going to have to see how he is.”
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Nick Woltemade poised to start for Newcastle United against Wolves
With Wissa ruled out, Howe will almost certainly turn to Woltemade.
Newcastle’s most expensive signing ever was always likely to make his debut against Wolves, but now it could be as a starter.
Paul Merson has tipped Woltemade to start, and it looks like he will get his wish. It is a huge opportunity for the 23-year-old, who has spent the week training alongside his new teammates.
Woltemade has impressed with his attitude, and hopefully that translates to a strong start on the pitch.
He will be backed up by Will Osula, who feels poised to drop to the bench after starting the 0-0 draw with Leeds.
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On Woltemade’s start to life on Tyneside, Howe said: “He’s trained well and we’re really pleased with how he’s looked in the first couple of days.
“Big change for him, big opportunity for him. He’s got a great nature, a great character. He’s very calm and he’s gone straight into our training and not looked out of place. He’s shown his qualities. We’re really pleased with how he’s settled in.”
Howe is full of praise for his new signing, as he attempts to guide Newcastle to their first win of the season.
The Magpies have two points on the board so far, as they prepare to face a Wolves team that have lost all three of their Premier League games this season.
Howe is unbeaten against Wolves as Newcastle manager, and will be keen to extend that record with Woltemade leading the line.
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