Newcastle United is set to face challenges in their upcoming matches against Chelsea and Manchester City, as Kieran Trippier will be sidelined due to a calf injury. Manager Eddie Howe, while acknowledging the injury, couldn’t specify its severity or the expected duration of Trippier’s absence, expressing hope that it’s not too serious.
Despite initial concerns, scans have revealed that the injury is not as catastrophic as feared. However, it is still significant enough to keep the 33-year-old defender out of action until possibly the end of the month, according to reports from Mail Sport. This absence is a blow for Newcastle’s aspirations to climb to seventh place in the Premier League, with Trippier missing the upcoming match against Chelsea and the FA Cup quarterfinal against Manchester City.
The setback is compounded by the fact that Trippier’s injury puts his participation in England’s March friendly matches against Brazil and Belgium in doubt. This poses a challenge for national team manager Gareth Southgate, especially considering that other right-back options, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Reece James, are also sidelined with injuries. Trippier had been anticipated to be a crucial part of the Three Lions squad for Euro 2024.
The injury timeline suggests that Trippier may, at the earliest, return for Newcastle’s match against West Ham on March 31, following the international break. This recovery timeline puts his availability for the crucial England friendlies and potentially jeopardizes his preparation for the Euro 2024 tournament.
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