Chris Waugh has been speaking on Pod on the Tyne about the worrying injury Kieran Trippier sustained earlier this week.
Trippier has been critical and an ever-present under Eddie Howe since his arrival early last month, which was highlighted by the fact he won the club’s January Player of the Month award.
Will Trippier start on Sunday?
Yes!
No!
However, Howe is now seemingly sweating over the fitness of Trippier after he limped off with a muscular injury against Everton, and the manager has confirmed that he is a doubt for Sunday’s match against Aston Villa – but did not rule him out, saying it would be a late call to see if he can start.
Waugh admitted before Howe’s press conference took place that he couldn’t see Trippier making the starting lineup on Sunday.
He said: “[Trippier] made a gesture as if to say that something had tightened within his muscle, but Trippier, within his club interview, it wasn’t really mentioned, Howe didn’t mention it too much in other interviews.
“So hopefully touch wood, it doesn’t seem to be that serious. At this moment in time – and this is on the basis that I haven’t had any more specific information on it today, he was being assessed today [Wednesday] – I’d be surprised if he started on Sunday, just on the basis that it’s quite a quick turnaround for a muscle injury.”
TIF Thoughts on Kieran Trippier…
Howe will be delighted that Trippier was able to get his reward of a goal for his superb performances of late. He is currently boasting a 7.88 WhoScored rating since joining the Magpies and it should come as no surprise that since someone of his stature within the game and quality has arrived, the Magpies have gone three games unbeaten in the league.
It would be an almighty blow for Howe and Newcastle if Trippier was to miss Sunday’s match, as it may slightly take away some momentum and confidence on the pitch while also seeing a reshuffled back four, with Matt Targett not available due to his parent club making the trip to Tyneside.
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