Newcastle United got off to the perfect start on their return from the Premier League ’s winter break by defeating Everton 3-1 at St. James’ Park on Tuesday.
The Magpies produced a dominant performance to win back-to-back games for the first time this season and extend their unbeaten run in the league to four games.
The three points also helped them to climb out of the relegation zone for the first time since October, as Eddie Howe ’s side showed their quality following their January transfer window activity.
One of their new signings, Kieran Trippier, scored a sublime free-kick to wrap up the points for the north east club, although he limped off in the final few minutes of the game.
And now Howe is sweating over the fitness of his new right back, in a potential huge blow should he be unavailable for the clash vs Aston Villa this weekend.
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The Magpies manager has revealed that Trippier was an injury doubt and will continue to be assessed ahead of Sunday’s fixture.
When asked about Trippier’s problem, Howe said: “I think Kieran’s got a slight calf issue.
“He motioned that he needed to come off, so we’ll have to see how that is.
“It would be devastating to lose him in the form he’s in.”
The man signed from Atletico Madrid last month was named as man-of-the-match against the Toffees, but it was his commitment to the cause which ultimately saw him limp off.
The right-back stretched his leg out to block a cross from Andros Townsend in the final few minutes on Tuesday, immediately pulling up and signalling to the bench, knowing he needed to come off.
In addition to doubts over Trippier, fellow full-back and new signing Matt Targett is unavailable for this weekend, as he is ineligible to feature against his parent club.
Targett has been signed as the club’s new left-back and impressed on his debut in midweek, but to lose both him and Trippier would certainly represent a difficult situation for the Magpies, especially since the pair were brought in to improve the second leakiest backline in the division.
It now seems as though Howe will have to revert back to square one again for the visit of Steven Gerrard’s side.
Javier Manquillo replaced Trippier against Everton, so it can be expected that he will feature in his place if required, while Paul Dummett is likely to come in for Targett on the opposite flank.
But there will be a nervous wait between now and Sunday for Howe, the club and it’s supporters to find out whether or not Trippier is able to feature.
