Newcastle United super striker surprises locals with way to get fit

A £55m Premier league striker is so desperate to get fit that he has started swimming sessions at his local public pool.

Newcastle United striker Yoane Wissa, 29, was signed from Brentford on Sept 1 but was injured almost immediately while playing an international for DR Congo.

He has been slowly working his way back to fitness from a knee injury, and is turning up for public swims for Jesmond pool in Newcastle.

He takes his place alongside club veterans, pensioners and students in the public lanes as he gradually builds up his fitness for a return to the top flight.

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One local joked: "He maybe likes it as there is no chlorine used and it handy for him.

"But it was still a surprise to see Newcastle Utd's star striker in the slow lane."

Toon insiders say Wissa is doing the training 'off his own bat' and it is not part of a scheduled programme.

"He is doing all of this in his free time," said a source.

"There are hydro facilities at the training ground so he can get into the water there.

"So this is about using his own fee time to get in shape."

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Wissa turned up for his last Jesmond session with Toon centre half Malik Thiaw.

Toon boss Eddie Howe admitted it is still unclear when the striker will be able to make his debut for the Magpies.

He said: "He's working very hard, he's on the grass, he's getting the fitness work in that he needs.

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"I'd say he's not close to training with the group at the moment, not through injury but through fitness and making sure we build his robustness.