Newcastle United journalist Liam Kennedy has given his thoughts on when Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson will return from their injuries.
It’s fair to say that Trippier and Wilson were both integral parts to the Newcastle United side earlier in the season before their respective injuries put their chances of playing any part of the rest of the campaign in doubt.
Having been brought in during the January window, Trippier has established himself as a key member of the side, leading them in terms of tackles, interceptions and crosses per game whilst also ranking joint-third for key passes (via WhoScored). Meanwhile, Wilson was the club’s top scorer both this season and last, prompting the club to sign Chris Wood as he spent time on the sidelines.
Whilst Newcastle have done well in their absence by going unbeaten in their last eight games and putting themselves in a decent position to stay in the league, if the pair could make it back, that would give them a major boost towards the end of the season.
Speaking on the latest edition of NUFC Matters, Kennedy claimed that he didn’t think they would be back between now and the end of the season, and even if they were to return, he didn’t envisage Trippier nor Wilson getting much playing time.
He said: “I’ve said it for a while now, I’d probably be surprised if we see Trippier or Wilson. If we didn’t see them this season, it wouldn’t surprise us, but if we got a couple of games at the end of the season from them then it might be decent.
“But I wouldn’t expect any more than that. I think May is probably the time we’ll see either of those two, if at all.”
TIF Thoughts on Liam Kennedy’s comments about Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson at Newcastle United…
Is Trippier possible captain material?
Yes
No
Kennedy seems to be of the opinion that it is highly unlikely that they will not make an appearance between now and the end of the season. But a lot of what is going to happen with the two of them is likely to be dictated by how Newcastle’s battle against relegation is going.
If they are still in trouble with a few games to go, then it might be worth the risk of bringing Trippier and Wilson back into the fold to try and see them over the line. However, if they are safe, there really is no reason for them to come back into the side and risk reinjuring themselves, which could jeopardise them for the start of next season.
So whilst their health might dictate some of the agenda, the performances of their teammates and the results they get might also play a role in how things go.
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