The absence of Yoane Wissa is one of the most notable developments ahead of the African Cup of Nations in Morocco. The Newcastle striker, signed for €67 million on the final day of the summer transfer window, was not included in the Congo squad due to insufficient competitive form following recovery from injury.

Wissa Not Ready in Time After Injury with Congo

The last match played by Wissa was with the Congo on September 9, during a World Cup qualifier against Senegal, where he suffered knee discomfort. Since then, he has not seen official action — not even with Newcastle — severely limiting his reintegration into competition.

Although he has now returned to training with the English club, his recovery came too late to make the final AFCON list. Over the entire season so far, Wissa has only featured in two matches, both for his national team, and none for his new side.

He will instead remain in England preparing to regain full form for early 2026, with the intention of finally making his Premier League and Champions League debut for Newcastle.

A €67M Signing Still Waiting to Debut

The situation surrounding Wissa has been unusual since last summer. He barely participated in preseason with Brentford, due to his expected transfer, which eventually materialized with his move to Newcastle, where he was brought in as a replacement following Alexander Isak’s move to Liverpool.

Yet that costly transfer has yet to yield any competitive minutes. The Congolese forward scored 19 goals in last season’s Premier League, showcasing clinical finishing and generating excitement among Newcastle supporters.

Meanwhile, the Congo squad does feature other Premier League names including Arthur Masuaku and Noah Sadiki of Sunderland, Aaron Wan-Bissaka of West Ham, and Axel Tuanzebe of Burnley.

The AFCON will be full of talent — but not the one many hoped to see. Yoane Wissa will miss out on Africa’s biggest stage… but 2026 may still be his long-awaited comeback year.