Newcastle United welcomed three players back from injury last week, and now another could return against Brighton And Hove Albion.
The Magpies’ squad looked a lot stronger against Burnley, with Eddie Howe able to name Nick Pope, Miguel Almiron and Joelinton on his bench. It was the first time that Pope and Joelinton had been involved since December and January respectively, and they have been massive misses.
But they are back now, and will hopefully both start against Brighton on Saturday, in what is Newcastle United’s final game at St James’ Park this season.
Eddie Howe will want his side to go out with a bang, as they continue their quest to qualify for Europe. It is very much in Newcastle’s hands with thee games to go, and they have momentum on their side.
Eddie Howe provides injury update on Kieran Trippier
Newcastle suddenly have confidence and a much stronger squad heading into the game against Brighton. And it could be about to get even stronger.
That is because Eddie Howe has spoke to the media and provided an update on Kieran Trippier, who has missed Newcastle’s previous nine games with a calf problem.
“Kieran is getting closer,” he said.
“He has trained this week. It was the first time with the group. He trained well, it has been a good week for him.
“I will make a decision today whether he will be involved tomorrow.”
Newcastle United could welcome Trippier back against Brighton
It will be a huge boost if Trippier is available to face Brighton. We have been able to cope without the 33-year-old, but there is no denying his talent and the impact he has on this Newcastle team.
Trippier is a leader, and will be desperate to captain Newcastle in their final three games.
It has been a frustrating period out of the side, with the £12million man initially only expected to miss a couple of games. However, it has stretched to nine after he was forced off during the 3-0 win over Wolves.
But the recent hope was that he would be able to return against Brighton, and there is now a very real chance that could happen.
It is encouraging to hear that Trippier has trained this week, after he was not spotted in the club’s photos from Wednesday’s session.
Trippier return could hand Eddie Howe a selection dilemma
If Trippier is available, it does give Howe a bit of a dilemma. If he is fit to start, it means either replacing Tino Livramento or Lewis Hall. Both players were exceptional against Burnley, and deserve to keep their place in the starting XI.
However, with so much at stake, Howe needs to put out his best team, and that means putting sentiment to one side.
If that is what Howe does then it could be bad news for Hall, as it feels more likely that he will want to keep the more experienced Livramento in the side and move him to left-back.
Whatever Howe does, it is great to see him finally have some options. Newcastle United’s squad suddenly looks very strong as they head into a crucial final three matches.
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