Yoane Wissa Eager for Increased Playtime as Newcastle Targets Champions League Knockout Stage
Newcastle United is gearing up for a significant match as they aim to qualify for the Champions League knockout stage for the first time in their history. Manager Eddie Howe expressed confidence in forward Yoane Wissa, who is ready to increase his playtime after recovering from a knee injury.
Yoane Wissa’s Return and Readiness
Wissa, who previously netted 20 goals for Brentford last season, made his debut for Newcastle as a substitute in a recent match against Burnley. This appearance marked him as the 1,000th player to represent Newcastle in a league fixture. Howe noted, “He is ready to take on minutes. In the 20 minutes he played, he showcased his potential.”
Champions League Outlook
Newcastle has collected nine points from five Champions League matches, placing them just below the top eight—for direct qualification to the knockout stage. A point separates them from this coveted position, which avoids the necessity for a playoff.
Recent Performances
- Newcastle is unbeaten in their last three matches.
- Their last Champions League game resulted in a 2-1 defeat against Olympique de Marseille.
- Bayer Leverkusen poses a significant challenge, having secured wins in their last two Champions League matches, including a notable victory over Manchester City.
Looking Ahead to Bayer Leverkusen
Howe acknowledged that faced with strong opponents like Leverkusen, who are just one point shy of Newcastle, his team is prepared for a tough contest. He stated, “Leverkusen are a very strong team with a flexible playing style, making them difficult to face.”
As Newcastle United aims for a successful Champions League campaign, the integration of players like Yoane Wissa could be pivotal in their quest to advance deeper into the tournament.
