Eddie Howe has provided fresh details on the fitness of Yoane Wissa and when Newcastle United supporters can expect to see the striker make his first appearance for the club.
The 29-year-old joined Newcastle from Brentford in a deal worth £55m on the final day of the summer transfer window.
The move concluded one of the most turbulent transfer sagas of recent years, as the striker was desperate for the deal to go through all summer, even resorting to refusing to train or play for his former side.
Also, the player removed all association to Brentford from his social media accounts.
However, Wissa suffered a blow shortly after joining Howe's side, as he sustained a knee injury while on international duty with DR Congo, meaning he is yet to play for his new club.
This has left the Newcastle boss with limited options upfront in recent weeks, as the club's other striker signing, Nick Woltemade, has been the only recognised no. 9 available for selection.
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Having a proven Premier League striker such as Wissa, who scored 19 league goals for Brentford last season, would have made life much easier for a Newcastle side that has struggled in front of goal recently.
The Magpies have failed to score in three out of five league games so far this season.
When will Wissa be available for his new side?
Ahead of Newcastle's Carabao Cup fixture with Bradford City at St James' Park on Wednesday night (September 24), Howe addressed Wissa's current fitness levels and mentioned when he could make his first appearance in a black and white shirt.
"He's receiving treatment. No operation needed," the Newcastle boss confirmed in his pre-match news conference.
"We're looking the other side of the international break and hoping he'll be fit and available for that first game," Howe stated.
Howe's latest comments will be welcomed by Newcastle fans and should see Wissa make his bow for the club away to Brighton on October 18.
The striker could then make his first appearance in front of the Newcastle faithful when Benfica visit St James' Park three days later on matchday three of the Champions League league phase.
Wissa can expect to receive a hostile welcome when his new side travel to face Brentford on November 9.
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