Newcastle fullback Kieran Trippier is in contention to face Chelsea this weekend, according to Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie.
The 33-year-old withdrew from the England squad before the game against North Macedonia on Monday night but Downie has revealed that the defender has already returned to training ahead of the Magpies’ next fixture:
Kieran Trippier was back training with Newcastle today & is set to face Chelsea this weekend.
The defender withdrew from the England squad for “a personal matter” & missed last night’s draw with Macedonia.
The issue isn’t expected to keep Trippier out of Saturday’s match #NUFC— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) November 21, 2023
Howe will be delighted to have Trippier available
Considering Newcastle have been going through an injury crisis, it would have been a major blow for manager Eddie Howe if Trippier was missing for the Chelsea match as well.
The right-back has been in scintillating form this season, contributing 7 assists in 17 appearances, and his presence will be key if the Magpies are to secure a result on Saturday.
Which players will Newcastle have back in contention to play Chelsea?
Bruno Guimaraes will return following suspension, while there is confidence that the likes of Alexander Isak (hamstring), Miguel Almiron (thigh) and Fabian Schar (hamstring) will feature too.
That still leaves 10 others unavailable. Sandro Tonali (suspension) and Lewis Hall (ineligible) absences are not injury-related, but the treatment room is still being overworked at the moment.
Sven Botman (knee), Jacob Murphy (shoulder), Callum Wilson (hamstring), Javier Manquillo (groin), Dan Burn (back), Harvey Barnes (foot), Matt Targett (hamstring) and Elliot Anderson (back) are all sidelined, and won’t be back in action for a while.
The timeframe for Wilson’s comeback is 4 to 6 weeks, but Botman could be out for even longer, while Burn and Murphy are only expected to return in the New Year.
You can watch the documentary – Newcastle United: The Road Back To Europe on Shots! TV here
