Ben Dinnery, who contributes for Sky Sports, has suggested Newcastle United’s Kieran Trippier could be unavailable until the beginning of May.
Trippier moved to St James’ Park from Atletico Madrid during the January transfer window as the Magpies’ new owners, the Saudi Arabian Private Investment Fund, displayed their financial power. The £12m fee looked to be money well spent, with the Toon unbeaten in his first four league outings, but he unfortunately suffered a metatarsal fracture and has not featured since 13th February.
Speaking on Tuesday’s Premier FPL Injuries episode, Toon fan Dinnery gave an idea as to when Newcastle supporters could expect the 31-year-old to return. He said: “We kick things off with an update on Kieran Trippier. Now, some sections of the media reported that the Newcastle full-back has indeed suffered a setback – that isn’t strictly the case.
“We heard from Eddie Howe on Friday morning, he confirmed that Trippier would be sent for a scan, and hopefully, the outcome of that scan would show he got the green light to step up his recovery from a fractured fifth metatarsal. However, the bone-healing process hasn’t advanced as far as he would have liked, and therefore, he’s got to be held back a little bit.
“Now, there was some suggestion that he would maybe [be available in] around about 2-3 weeks. As it currently stands, we don’t have a definitive timeline. However, Eddie Howe was confident that he would return this season.
“Any player returning within eight weeks, there’s a significant chance of re-injury. The bone-healing process will normally take about maybe 10, 11 weeks. We have seen some research studies that indicate that bone won’t fully heal until 12.
“Like I say, [he could available by the] end of April, maybe beginning of May. Hopefully, we’ll not need him by then.”
TIF Thoughts on Trippier update…
This is not the best news for Newcastle. While an eight-game unbeaten run at the start of the year moved the north-east outfit away from immediate trouble at the bottom of the Premier League table, they have lost their last three matches in the top flight and are not yet mathematically safe. Seven goals conceded in those outings also suggest they could do with some defensive improvement.
Trippier’s impact at Newcastle was immediate. The £16.2m-valued man scored two goals in his first four matches, including the winner in a 1-0 victory over Aston Villa, while he has averaged 3.5 tackles, 2.5 interceptions and 1.5 interceptions per game since his transfer back to England.
Will Trippier play again this season?
Yes
No
However, as much as Howe would likely be eager to return him back to the fold, Trippier’s health and fitness must be put first. The former Burnley man suffered shoulder and groin injuries during his time in Spain, and at 31 years of age, he must be more aware of how his body reacts to the pressures and demands of Premier League football.
With a nine-point buffer over 18th-placed Watford with eight games remaining, Newcastle should have enough to stay in the top flight even without Trippier. Therefore, the England international should prepare for next season rather than rushing his recovery to be ready for the last few fixtures.