Trippier injury ’concern’ is only blot on boss’ stress-free day

EDDIE Howe admits that Newcastle United captain Kieran Trippier is a fresh injury “concern” after he limped off in the 3-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, writes LEE RYDER.

Trippier went down with an injury just after the break and Howe confirmed that he’d suffered a calf problem hence his early withdrawal.

The England full-back signalled immediately to come off and was replaced by Newcastle star Tino Livramento.

Speaking after the game, Howe, in his post-game Press conference, said: “Kieran felt something in his calf and that’s a concern. We don’t know how serious it is.”

Trippier was assessed over the weekend, but Newcastle do not play again until a week tonight when they visit Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The wider concern will be Newcastle’s FA

Cup sixth round tie at his old club Man City later this month.

Otherwise it was a stress-free day for Howe as his team recorded their first home victory since December.

Howe reflected: “It is a massive win for us. We’re still not quite where we were.

“But it was better. We had a better physical look to us. Confidence can ebb and flow but we saw that starting to flow back into the group.”

Howe was simply delighted to get back on track at home and spoke about the joy of last season’s form at St James’ Park which laid the foundations for Champions League qualification. He said: “It’s a big win, being back at home and hadn’t won for a while. Our home form has always been so good.

“To have a wobble here (home form in 2024) was a concern. So we are delighted.”