![\"Yoane](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/0_Wissa2.jpg\")
<\/p>\nNeither Yoane Wissa or Nick Woltemade were deemed worthy of leading the line against Barca – what’s going on?<\/p>\n
Newcast;e United’s Yoane Wissa<\/p>\n
Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has insisted that Yoane Wissa remains in a good place despite being completely overlooked for the Barcelona game.<\/p>\n
Dubbed the biggest match in Newcastle’s <\/a>history by Howe himself, Wissa did not get off the bench let alone start the encounter at St James’ Park. The \u00a355m is currently on an eight-goal drought and has slipped down the pecking order.<\/p>\n After starting the season with a knee injury that dented his chances of making a flying start the \u00a355m man is facing a fight to get in the starting line-up ahead of William Osula<\/a> and Anthony Gordon with Nick Woltemade also left on the bench as an unused sub against Barcelona.<\/p>\n Howe said: “Yoane is fit, fitter probably than at any stage in his time with us. He’s done a lot of work behind the scenes.<\/p>\n “He’s making up for lost time in that respect and training with the group whenever we train.”<\/p>\n FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK! Keep up with all the Newcastle United latest via the Chronicle\u2019s dedicated Facebook page<\/a><\/p>\n When asked if Wissa<\/a> was fit to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge with no explanation on his lack of game-time against Barca, Howe said: “No injury concerns at all. The challenge for Yoane is when introduced and on the pitch, he’s got to perform.<\/p>\n “And that’ll be the same for every player. in the squad, and then I have to pick who I think is best for the job.”<\/p>\n Howe provided a clipped answer when asked whether it had been a tough decision to leave out Wissa and Woltemade <\/a>completely from his starting XI vs Barcelona.<\/p>\n Howe <\/a>said: “It is always a tough decision to not play players that I love. That is part of being a manager. I had to pick the team and do what was best for the group.”<\/p>\n Here at ChronicleLive, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Newcastle United<\/a> coverage and analysis.<\/p>\n Make sure you don’t miss out on the latest NUFC news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here<\/a> to subscribe.<\/p>\n You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here<\/a> to be sent all the day’s biggest stories.<\/p>\n And, finally, if you would rather listen to our expert analysis then make sure to check out our Everything is Black and White podcast. Our shows are available on all podcast platforms, including Spotify<\/a> and Apple Podcasts<\/a>, and you can also watch along on YouTube<\/a>.<\/p>\n Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package<\/p>\n This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more<\/a> \u00a349<\/p>\n \u00a335<\/p>\n Sky<\/p>\n![\"Content](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1769328430_711_0_Sky-Factbox.jpg\"\/)
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