Newcastle United handed illness concern – ‘pivotal’ player a doubt for Brentford match
The 34-year-old returned to the fold last week after seven weeks out with a hamstring issue. He appeared as a late substitute in the 2-0 defeat at home to West Ham United but didn’t make it off the bench in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace.
For the visit of Liverpool, Trippier missed out altogether with Matt Targett taking his place. Asked about the right-back’s abse,ce head coach Eddie Howe explained: “Just an illness problem for him.”
Newcastle go to Brentford on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 3pm) and the quick turnaround makes Trippier a doubt for the game.
Prior to the draw with Liverpool, Howe spoke about Trippier’s importance to the squad. The former England international has reached double figures in terms of assists during his two full seasons on Tyneside, however his game time has gradually reduced.
Since February, Trippier has started just five matches in all competitions. He is one short of making 100 for United after joining from Atletico Madrid for £12million in January 2022.
“Tripps, in line with the other players on that right-hand side, has created so much for us historically,” said Howe. “I think if you go back to our Champions League season, that was probably our most dominant side of the pitch. A lot of goals came down that side, a lot of chances were created down that side, and Kieran was pivotal to that.
“We’ve certainly missed his attacking attributes and his range, and what he brings. He’s improving physically. He hasn’t played consistently now for quite a long time, so getting him back in that rhythm where he can feel 100 per cent fit will take a little bit of time.
“But he’s certainly closer than he was, and touch wood, he’s solved the hamstring problem that he had.”
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