Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has provided an update on the injury situation ahead of the return of Ioan Wissa and Lewis Hall. The Democratic Republic of Congo international is yet to feature for the Magpies since signing in the summer, while Hall picked up a hamstring problem in the 4-0 win over Union SG.
Hall missed the 2-0 win against Nottingham Forest but could return before the next international break. Speaking at a press conference ahead of the long journey to Brighton, Howe revealed: “The second test was good news, it was on a different scale. We hope he will be back in time for this international holiday. We hope he has no ill effects.”
“That’s good news because on the first scan it looked impossible. It was difficult because he was very motivated to play. He really wants to do well and has big goals.”
“I think this is a really minor injury. It might be a good thing because it will take care of other issues.”
Wissa was due to return from his knee injury this week against Brighton, but suffered a setback. Manager Howe announced on October 3 that Wissa would be out for eight weeks.
However, there have been no further complications since then, with Howe commenting: “We’ve seen Yoan back on the grass, which is great to see. The knee is responding very well. Nothing has changed schedule-wise.”
Speaking about Wissa before the international break, Howe said: “Yoan went back to the specialist yesterday to have his knee checked. We think it will probably be eight weeks now instead of six. There are no recurrences or problems, it’s just going to be a little bit longer.”
Ahead of the trip to Brighton, Howe also provided an update on Tino Livramento after coming on as a substitute against Arsenal, saying: “He has missed the two games he was in, but every time I speak to him he seems open to coming back. There are no major changes to the schedule given to him, but he is well on his way to recovery.”
Newcastle travel to Brighton tomorrow. Last season’s match ended in a 1-1 draw, a crucial result in United’s bid to qualify for the Champions League.
Speaking about the upcoming trip to Brighton, Howe said: “Looking back now, I can see that that point on that day was frustrating, but it turned out to be really worth it in the end. We always play tough games against them and they are well-coached.”
