Kieran Trippier could miss the rest of the season after foot surgery, Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has said, with the defender’s absence a huge blow for the Magpies and England.
The right-back arrived from Atletico Madrid during the January transfer window as the first of a series of major signings under the club’s new ownership aimed at helping them escape the throes of a relegation battle in the Premier League.
The Three Lions defender had already established himself as a potential cult hero at St James’ Park, scoring in his last two games before breaking his foot against Aston Villa – and now Howe admits he faces a race to feature again before the end of the campaign.
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How was Kieran Trippier injured?
Trippier was injured in Newcastle’s last game, a 1-0 win over Aston Villa. The 31-year-old was sent off just after half-time, replaced by Emil Krafth in the 48th minute.
He had just scored his first goal for Newcastle earlier in the game, netting the game’s only goal from a free kick in the 35th minute.
Kieran Trippier scored his first goal for Newcastle in magnificent fashion!
Newcastle beat Everton 3-1 today to climb out of the relegation zone. #NEWEVE pic.twitter.com/K7qXEFgwLO
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) February 9, 2022
During the game, it was unclear exactly what happened to force Trippier out, but after the game Howe confirmed the full-back had been ‘stamped’.
Newcastle confirm that Kieran Trippier has fractured his fifth metatarsal. Early fixation (surgery) can ensure faster healing and a quicker return to play. @PremierInjuries data collected over the past 10+ years indicates that the average RTP is around 80 days. #NUFC
— Ben Dinnery (@BenDinnery) February 14, 2022
Trippier was seen after the game on the pitch with a walking boot and crutches, having returned from hospital for an X-ray, and Eddie Howe could smell the bad news coming.
Trippier called Eddie Howe on his return to St James’ Park.
The couple had a long conversation in the dugout before descending into the tunnel. Doesn’t look good for the #NUFC game winner. https://t.co/Hmk80d3hX0
—Dominic Scurr (@DomScurr) February 13, 2022
What was said about Trippier’s injury?
Telling his pre-match press conference ahead of this weekend’s game with West Ham that Trippier’s operation was a success, the Magpies boss added: “It was good news but I don’t don’t know how long he’ll be gone.
“We hope to get him back before the end of the season, but obviously it’s a serious injury, which is a big blow for us because he was doing so well. We’ll have to see how his early rehabilitation goes.
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“Unfortunately we will miss his leadership on the pitch and everything he has given us. He has scored two goals in the last two games which have been defining moments for us, but we are confident that we have enough quality in the squad to cover.”
Overview for Newcastle
Newcastle will be hoping to rally in the wake of Trippier’s absence from West Ham at the weekend, having finally broken free from the shackles of the bottom three.
The Magpies remain four points ahead of Norwich with a game less, but remain in the midst of a congested race that theoretically extends higher than 15th-placed Leeds United, two points ahead of them.
Victory against Europe-seeking David Moyes’ Hammers will be a key result if they can pull it off, with Brazil international Bruno Guimarees potentially in contention for a first start since arriving last month.
Blow to Newcastle as Kieran Trippier suffered a broken foot and will be sidelined for the next set of fixtures, if there was one player they would dread losing it would be him with his leadership as well as his quality.
— Josh Bunting (@Buntingfootball) February 14, 2022
Blow to England in World Cup year
Not only is Trippier’s enforced absence a loss for Newcastle, it also presents another wrinkle for England manager Gareth Southgate, under whom the 31-year-old has become something of a flexible defensive mainstay.
The Three Lions boss has been on hand to witness several of the right-back’s performances at St James’ Park since returning from Spain and after playing a vital role in the national team’s failed campaigns in Russia 2018 and Euro 2020, was likely to see him as a safe bet for his Qatar 2022 plans, thanks to his ability to play at left-back as well.
With his injury however, Trippier will now miss England’s double game at Molineux next month and could be a doubt for the start of the final Nations League cycle this summer, leaving him with the prospect of a race to prove his fitness. for the next term. mid-season tournament.
