AFCON could be great for recovery of Wissa

THE Africa Cup of Nations could be a 'great opportunity' for Newcastle United forward Yoane Wissa to get back towards full fitness.

- By SEAN MCCORMICK

That is the verdict of Premier League injury expert Ben Dinnery, who believes it could see Wissa return to the club sharper than if he had to integrate and play second fiddle to Nick Woltemade.

Wissa signed for Newcastle on transfer deadline day for £55million for Brentford but picked up a PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) knee injury while on international duty with DR Congo.

He has been ruled out ever since and while he is closing in on a return to fitness in the coming weeks, Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe has said he will need a 'mini preseason' of about six weeks to get his fitness levels up to speed.