Opinion: Newcastle United will be buzzing they went against deadline day opportunity after St James’ Park update

Yoane Wissa sidelined for at least a month as Newcastle turn to Osula for cover

Newcastle United have been dealt a frustrating blow only weeks after completing one of their most high-profile transfers of the summer. Reports have confirmed that forward Yoane Wissa will be unavailable for at least four weeks after sustaining a knee injury while representing DR Congo on international duty.

 

The injury comes at a particularly disappointing time for both player and club. Wissa, who joined Newcastle from Brentford in a dramatic deadline-day move worth around £55 million, had been tipped to play a major role in Eddie Howe’s attacking setup. At 29 years old, he arrived as one of the Magpies’ most expensive signings in history and was expected to make an immediate impact as the club’s new number nine.

 

However, supporters will now have to wait a little longer to see their marquee arrival in action. The setback was confirmed on Saturday evening after Wissa picked up what has been described as a “bizarre” injury during a match against Senegal earlier this week. In an unfortunate moment, the striker’s studs appeared to catch in the turf, causing his knee to twist awkwardly. He was taken off immediately and scans later confirmed that he would need a period of rest and rehabilitation, ruling him out for at least a month.

 

While Wissa’s absence is undoubtedly a major disappointment, Newcastle’s attacking depth is already proving vital. Nick Woltemade, another of Howe’s summer recruits, stepped up brilliantly at the weekend, netting the decisive goal in a hard-fought victory over Wolves. His contribution eased the pressure on the side and reminded fans that the Magpies still have firepower despite losing their headline signing.

 

Behind the scenes, the injury has also highlighted the importance of Newcastle’s deadline-day stance on William Osula. The 22-year-old Danish striker had endured a mixed summer, showing flashes of promise but also struggling for consistency during pre-season while speculation swirled around Alexander Isak’s future. His standout moment came with a well-taken goal against Liverpool, but he struggled to replicate that form when handed his first Premier League start against Leeds.

 

On transfer deadline day, Osula appeared close to leaving Tyneside. Bundesliga outfit Eintracht Frankfurt were keen to bring him in as a replacement for Hugo Ekitike, who had opted for a move to Liverpool rather than Newcastle. Negotiations, however, broke down late in the window. Newcastle preferred a permanent sale, while Frankfurt were only prepared to agree to a loan with an option to buy.

 

In hindsight, that breakdown may turn out to be a blessing. With Wissa sidelined, Osula now finds himself pushed up the pecking order and acting as immediate backup to Woltemade. Newcastle will reassess his situation in January, but for now, he remains a valuable squad option as the fixtures begin to pile up.

 

The question now is when Osula might be handed another start in black and white. Given Woltemade’s promising debut, Howe is expected to continue with the German as his first-choice striker in league matches, using Osula primarily as an impact substitute from the bench. However, the upcoming Carabao Cup tie against Bradford City later this month looks like a realistic opportunity for Osula to start. The League One opposition could provide the perfect platform for him to build confidence and get on the scoresheet.

 

There is also the prospect of Osula featuring in some capacity when Barcelona visit St James’ Park in the Europa League on Thursday. That said, Howe will almost certainly want to field his strongest XI against the Catalan giants, meaning Osula may again be limited to a substitute role.

 

For now, Newcastle supporters must wait patiently for Wissa’s long-anticipated debut, while keeping a close eye on how Osula handles the unexpected responsibility. What was once seen as a fringe squad decision could yet prove to be one of the club’s smartest moves of the summer.