Yoane Wissa’s sudden loss of momentum has become a growing concern for both Newcastle United and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as questions mount over whether the winger can rediscover his best form in time for crucial fixtures ahead.
The 28-year-old was one of the standout performers at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, where he played a central role in guiding the Leopards to the semi-finals.
His pace, intensity and attacking influence embodied the spirit of a DRC side that captured widespread attention. One year on, that version of Wissa feels distant.
After a period in which he appeared to reach a new level, combining consistency with decisive contributions for both club and country, the Congolese international has endured a difficult stretch.
His performances for Brentford during the 2024 Premier League season reinforced his status as one of the league’s most effective wide attackers, making his subsequent struggles all the more striking.
Wissa’s move to Newcastle last summer was expected to mark another step forward, but instead proved to be a complicated turning point.
Recurrent injuries disrupted his integration, placing him among a growing list of unavailable players at the club. As his fitness issues persisted, rhythm and confidence became harder to regain.
The impact of his absence was felt most acutely on the international stage. Injury ruled Wissa out of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, depriving the DRC of one of its main attacking outlets.
The Leopards were eliminated in the round of 16, with the team lacking the speed and penetration that Wissa had previously provided.
His recent return to action briefly lifted spirits. A goal in his first appearance for Newcastle suggested a possible revival, but the progress has been uneven. He has played just three matches since returning, scoring once, and has struggled to maintain consistency.
His introduction at half-time in the League Cup semi-final against Manchester City, which ended in elimination, underlined those ongoing difficulties.
Attention now turns to March 2025, when the DRC are due to contest an intercontinental play-off final. For head coach Sébastien Desabre, Wissa’s fitness has become a pressing issue.
With no certainty that the winger will be fully restored in time, the coaching staff are being forced to consider alternative options.
While Wissa’s talent remains unquestioned, his current situation highlights the fragility of careers at the highest level.
Injuries, adaptation to a new club and the weight of national expectations have placed him in a race against time, with both Newcastle and the Leopards hoping for a long-awaited resurgence.
