Kieran Trippier is unlikely to make his return from injury this weekend when Newcastle face Liverpool.
The defender hasn’t played for the Magpies since February, breaking a bone in his foot in the 1-0 win over Aston Villa. He netted the winner that day, and has since watched his teammates fly up the Premier League table.
Eddie Howe’s side have made it into the top half, which is simply astonishing given where we were at the start of the year. It’s even more shocking considering we’ve done it without Trippier for the most part. We’ve also been without Callum Wilson for all of 2022.
But the pair are getting closer to a return, and it was recently claimed by the Telegraph that they hoped to return in April. The games against Crystal Palace and Norwich were pencilled in as possible comeback dates.
That didn’t happen, leaving Newcastle with just one game left this month. Sadly, it doesn’t look like Trippier or Wilson will return against Liverpool.
Chris Waugh doesn’t expect Kieran Trippier to return vs Liverpool
Speaking on the latest episode of Pod On The Tyne, the Athletic’s Chris Waugh discussed whether or not the duo could feature on Saturday.
“There had been, at one point, the hope that Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson may be back for this match,” Waugh said.
“I certainly don’t think Wilson will be, I think Trippier’s unlikely as well. Newcastle don’t need to risk them either so they’re not going to bring them back too early.”
No need to rush
Given the type of injury he suffered, there seemed no chance of Wilson featuring against the Reds. It will still be a great surprise if he completes a comeback this season.
But it looks like Trippier is going to miss out against the Premier League title chasers as well.
That’ll be disappointing for the 31-year-old, but there’s no reason to rush him back. Newcastle are safe, and Emil Krafth is playing brilliantly in Trippier’s absence.
That means Howe can take his time reintegrating the injured players, ensuring they don’t suffer any setbacks.
Despite not playing since February, Trippier has continued to be a vital part of the dressing room. He’s been at every game, even when he was still wandering around on crutches.
That’s a testament to his character, but he’ll be desperate to be back playing as soon as possible.
With just four games to go this season, hopefully we see him return. But if we don’t, it’s not the end of the world.
One thing is for sure – we’ll certainly see him in the Premier League next season.
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